Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Diagnostic Research Innovation Center

NINDS intends to support a Diagnostic Research Innovation Center (DRIC) for the next phase of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN). The new Network is expected to include a Clinical and Data Coordinating Center (CDCC), geographically distributed clinical Networks of Diagnostic Excellence (NODEs), the NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP), a DRIC, the UDN Foundation, patient advocacy organizations, NIH, and other stakeholders. The DRIC will contribute to the diagnosis of UDN participants, including participating in the systematic re-evaluation of unsolved UDN cases from previous phases of the UDN.

The DRIC is expected to test and advance innovative, new diagnostic tools and strategies for both genomic and non-genomic conditions. Working closely with clinical NODEs, the UDP, the CDCC, and other UDN stakeholders, the DRIC will support the generation and testing of diagnostic hypotheses including providing expertise and resources in advanced sequencing and multi-omics, gene function studies in animal and human in vitro models, and the development of non-genetic diagnostic strategies. Collaborating with the Network, the DRIC will contribute to the discovery of novel disease-associated genes and genomic variants, non-genetic contributors to UDN phenotypes, and the identification of new diseases and syndromes. Support is expected for an integrated center that brings together complementary capabilities and investigators with demonstrated scientific synergy and prior collaboration. 

Applications are not being solicited at this time. This Forecast is being published to provide potential applicants time to plan, establish collaborations, and develop responsive projects.