Identify and Evaluate Potential Risk Factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, under the Department of Health and Human Services, is seeking research proposals to identify and evaluate potential risk factors for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The initiative encourages studies focused on military service, contact sports, traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation, and infectious agents or environmental exposures linked to ALS. Funding is available through four distinct options: Option A supports research with strong existing evidence, including studies that refine prior findings or connect risk factors to diagnosis and treatment; Option B funds new and exploratory research on under-investigated risk factors or those employing novel methodologies; Option C targets ALS risk in specific populations, particularly military veterans, to better understand disparities and unique exposures; and Option D is dedicated to analyzing biological samples from the Guamanian ALS cluster to uncover disease mechanisms, exposure pathways, genetic influences, and biomarkers with potential for developing diagnostics, therapeutics, or prevention strategies. All proposals must align with these priorities and be submitted through the designated grant portal. The opportunity was posted on July 8, 2026, and inquiries can be directed to Dr. Candis Hunter at the provided email and phone number. There is no set-aside designation or NAICS code specified, and the performance location is not limited to a specific geographic area. Researchers are encouraged to apply regardless of prior federal funding experience, as long as their work addresses one of the four funding options with scientific rigor and relevance to ALS etiology and public health impact.