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

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is soliciting applications under RFA-RM-27-016 to establish SenNet Discovery and Validation Centers (DVCs) as part of Stage 2 of the Cellular Senescence Network. The primary objective of these centers is to define, refine, and validate tissue- and disease-relevant cellular senescence signatures, known as senotypes, and their associated biomarkers. DVCs are required to investigate the functional consequences of these signatures in human health and disease, generate high-quality molecular, cellular, and spatial datasets for public release via the Data Coordination and Informatics Center, and execute consortium-wide organizational and outreach activities. The maximum project period is five years, with application budgets limited to approximately 3 million dollars in direct costs per year. A specific requirement includes a mandatory 600,000 dollar annual direct cost allocation for the SenNet Organization and Outreach Component, of which 40 to 45 percent must support educational programs. Additionally, starting in Year 2, centers must set aside approximately 10 percent of their total budget for cross-consortium validation. Applications are evaluated through the NIH peer review system based on significance, approach, and the protection of human subjects, with performance measured annually by the successful acceptance and public release of data. Applicants must maintain active registrations in the System for Award Management and eRA Commons. Required submission materials include a 30-page application divided into four elements covering vision, preclinical modeling, biospecimen management, and outreach, along with letters of support and human subjects documentation where applicable. Awardees must adhere to strict data security protocols, including a seven-year confidentiality disclosure agreement and a requirement to report cybersecurity incidents within 48 hours.