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

The NIH Common Fund is soliciting applications for up to 25 Discovery and Validation Centers (DVCs) under the Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet) Stage 2. Centers will define, refine, and validate tissue‑ and disease‑relevant senescence signatures (“senotypes”) and associated biomarkers, generate high‑quality molecular, cellular, and spatial datasets, and test senescence‑targeted perturbations or therapeutics. Applicants must propose both scientific aims and consortium‑wide organizational/outreach activities, adhere to a required Data Management and Sharing Plan, and comply with NIH data‑sharing and confidentiality policies. Funding is provided via a UM1 Cooperative Agreement (complex‑structure research project) with an estimated total award pool of $3.4 million (≈$136 k per award). The competition opens October 23, 2026 and closes November 23, 2026; reviews begin March 2027 with awards expected July 2027. • Core focus: senescence biomarker discovery, validation, and functional studies in human health and disease. • Expected deliverables: high‑quality multi‑omics and spatial data sets, validated senotypes/biomarkers, and tools for senotherapeutic research. • Collaboration: participation in SenNet Steering Committee, data‑sharing through the SenNet Data Coordination Center, and outreach to the broader research community. • Eligibility: wide range of U.S. public, private, tribal, and non‑U.S. entities (including universities, nonprofits, for‑profit firms, and government agencies). • Funding mechanism: UM1 Cooperative Agreement (complex‑structure) with no cost‑sharing required. • Reporting: annual RPPRs, financial statements, and final close‑out documentation.