NIH U24 Music Networks Pilot Research Program: AD/ADRD
The purpose of the 2026 RFA is to elicit 1-year mechanistic pilot studies to generate the necessary preliminary data to strengthen future NIH applications for later-stage studies on mechanisms through which music may have a positive impact on health in the context of AD/ADRD.
Each pilot project may request funding up to $50,000 in modular increments of $25,000. Projects requiring over $50,000 must obtain prior approval. Institutional indirect costs and publication costs are not allowable.
Details about the Application and Submission Process
An application (single-spaced, 0.5 margins, and in Arial 11 font) must include the following:
- Cover Page: Include names of principal investigator and other key personnel, institution (for each), mailing address, email, name and email of grants manager, pilot study title, keywords, and target research area (from above).
- Proposal: Using the required format and 6 pages maximum (excluding literature cited and letters of support):
- Specific Aims (1 page)
- Significance and Innovation (approximate length: 1 page)
- Approach/Research plan (approximate length: 2-3 pages)
- Environment (approximate length: ½ page)
- Potential for future NIH funding (approximate length: ½ page)
- Literature cited (not included in the page limit)
- Maximum of two 1-page letters of support (not included in the page limit)
Preliminary data can be included within the 6-page proposal to support the scientific premise of the study. However, preliminary data are not required, and the absence of it will not be factored into the evaluation.
