Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet): SenNet Technology Projects (SenTecs) (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Source-based overview

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit the development of innovative senescence technologies (SenTecs), or the adaptation of existing technologies focused on identification, characterization and understanding the biological consequences of senescent cell (SnC) heterogeneity in the context of the tissue environments and secretomes to facilitate novel strategies for modulating SnCs in vivo and for predicting the outcomes of targeting SnCs in human aging and in disease conditions. These are five-year, milestone-driven awards consisting of two phases. The first two years constitute the UG3 phase and are focused on SenTec development and demonstration of technology feasibility. The following 3-years is the SenTec application UH3 phase where SenTecs continue to be optimized, refined and validated. In the final year of the UH3 award, SenTecs will undertake a demonstration project conducted in a collaborative effort within SenNet to provide further validation of the proposed SenTec. Applicants are required to submit both UG3 and UH3 projects together when responding to this NOFO. Transition from the UG3 to UH3 phases is not automatic and will occur only after administrative review of each SenTec at the close of Year 2 of the award. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity RFA-RM-27-007.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: County governments; State governments; Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Special district governments; Independent school districts; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; For profit organizations other than small businesses; City or township governments; Private institutions of higher education; Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); Small businesses. Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: See official notice

Expected number of awards: 15

Themes and supported activities

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit the development of innovative senescence technologies (SenTecs), or the adaptation of existing technologies focused on identification, characterization and understanding the biological consequences of senescent cell (SnC) heterogeneity in the context of the tissue environments and secretomes to facilitate novel strategies for modulating SnCs in vivo and for predicting the outcomes of targeting SnCs in human aging and in disease conditions. These are five-year, milestone-driven awards consisting of two phases. The first two years constitute the UG3 phase and are focused on SenTec development and demonstration of technology feasibility. The following 3-years is the SenTec application UH3 phase where SenTecs continue to be optimized, refined and validated. In the final year of the UH3 award, SenTecs will undertake a demonstration project conducted in a collaborative effort within SenNet to provide further validation of the proposed SenTec. Applicants are required to submit both UG3 and UH3 projects together when responding to this NOFO. Transition from the UG3 to UH3 phases is not automatic and will occur only after administrative review of each SenTec at the close of Year 2 of the award.

Opportunity number: RFA-RM-27-007

Deadline and timeline

Applications close 2026-11-23: Applications close 2026-11-23: Nov 23, 2026.

Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.

How to apply

Open the official Grants.gov record, review the full notice and attachments, and use the application package or agency route stated there.

Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.