Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet): Discovery, Validation Centers (UM1 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

Source-based overview

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support SenNet Discovery and Validation Centers (SenNet DVCs) as a core component of Stage 2 of the NIH Common Fund Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet). Building on Stage 1 resources, DVCs will define, refine, and validate tissue- and disease-relevant cellular senescence signatures (“senotypes”) and associated biomarkers, and will investigate their functional consequences in human health and disease. DVCs are expected to generate and contribute high-quality molecular, cellular, and spatial datasets (including relevant metadata and documentation) and to use complementary experimental systems, as appropriate, to validate senotypes/biomarkers and characterize responses to senescence-associated perturbations or senotherapeutic approaches. DVC applications should also propose goals and aims for SenNet consortium-wide organizational and outreach activities (SenNet OOC functions). The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity RFA-RM-27-016.

Eligibility

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

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: See official notice

Expected number of awards: 25

Themes and supported activities

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to support SenNet Discovery and Validation Centers (SenNet DVCs) as a core component of Stage 2 of the NIH Common Fund Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet). Building on Stage 1 resources, DVCs will define, refine, and validate tissue- and disease-relevant cellular senescence signatures (“senotypes”) and associated biomarkers, and will investigate their functional consequences in human health and disease. DVCs are expected to generate and contribute high-quality molecular, cellular, and spatial datasets (including relevant metadata and documentation) and to use complementary experimental systems, as appropriate, to validate senotypes/biomarkers and characterize responses to senescence-associated perturbations or senotherapeutic approaches. DVC applications should also propose goals and aims for SenNet consortium-wide organizational and outreach activities (SenNet OOC functions).

Opportunity number: RFA-RM-27-016

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.