Genomic Variant Interactions With Other Variants Or The Environment (UM1 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

Source-based overview

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit applications to study the effects of genetic or environmental interactions on genomic variant impact. To accomplish this, interaction centers will first propose a research framework to investigate whether interactions with effects beyond additive are important modifiers of the impact of variants. Centers will apply their framework to experimentally test combinations for interactions and share their data as well as analyses through the Impact of Genomic Variation on Function (IGVF) portal and catalog. Centers will share their method for predicting the most important combinations for future testing. The rationale for this combination of research and resource work is the identification of a structure within the interaction landscape might result in better predictions of the most important interactions to test, leading to more effective variant testing, better understanding of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and improved polygenic scores. As IGVF Consortium members, centers will work together to ensure all consortium resources are accessible to a wide variety of potential users. Centers are also expected to collaborate with other consortium components to coordinate assays, variants, and cell types, and to develop shared analysis strategies to meet consortium goals. The official record contains the controlling eligibility, budget, attachment and submission requirements for opportunity RFA-HG-27-009.

Eligibility

Eligible applicant types listed by the agency: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification); Private institutions of higher education; State governments; Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized); City or township governments; County governments; Small businesses; For profit organizations other than small businesses; Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Independent school districts; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments); Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; 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. Applicants must also satisfy every programme-specific condition in the official notice.

Funding and benefits

Award ceiling: USD 1,500,000

Expected number of awards: 5

Themes and supported activities

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to solicit applications to study the effects of genetic or environmental interactions on genomic variant impact. To accomplish this, interaction centers will first propose a research framework to investigate whether interactions with effects beyond additive are important modifiers of the impact of variants. Centers will apply their framework to experimentally test combinations for interactions and share their data as well as analyses through the Impact of Genomic Variation on Function (IGVF) portal and catalog. Centers will share their method for predicting the most important combinations for future testing. The rationale for this combination of research and resource work is the identification of a structure within the interaction landscape might result in better predictions of the most important interactions to test, leading to more effective variant testing, better understanding of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and improved polygenic scores. As IGVF Consortium members, centers will work together to ensure all consortium resources are accessible to a wide variety of potential users. Centers are also expected to collaborate with other consortium components to coordinate assays, variants, and cell types, and to develop shared analysis strategies to meet consortium goals.

Opportunity number: RFA-HG-27-009

Deadline and timeline

Applications close 2026-12-14: Applications close 2026-12-14: Dec 14, 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.