Systematic Characterization of Genomic Variation to Assess Effects of Individual Variants on Genome Function and Phenotype (UM1 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is preparing to launch a funding opportunity aimed at advancing research on genomic variation and its effects on genome function. The initiative seeks applications from research centers interested in systematically perturbing individual genetic variants or genomic elements using high-throughput methods. These centers will collect comprehensive data on how these variants influence molecular, cellular, and organismal phenotypes, and will develop standardized, reproducible data processing pipelines. Funded centers will become part of the Impact of Genomic Variation on Function (IGVF) Consortium, collaborating closely to ensure shared resources are widely accessible and to coordinate experimental assays, variants, and cell types, enhancing collaborative research and developing unified analysis strategies across the consortium. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will use the UM1 activity code and is anticipated to be published in 2025 with applications also due the same year. This pre-announcement is intended to allow potential applicants sufficient time to form meaningful partnerships and design research projects aligned with the consortium's goals. The funded research will not include clinical trials and will be coordinated under the oversight of NHGRI, with a designated point of contact available to assist applicants. The initiative represents a significant step toward understanding the functional impact of genomic variation, leveraging large-scale, collaborative efforts to accelerate discovery in genomics.