Development of Animal Models and Related Biological Materials for Down Syndrome Research (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The Development of Animal Models and Related Biological Materials for Down Syndrome Research (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a funding opportunity from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) aimed at encouraging exploratory and innovative research to develop, characterize, or improve animal models and related biological materials for Down syndrome (DS) research.

The INCLUDE Project seeks to enhance health and quality of life for individuals with DS by addressing significant health challenges they face across their lifespan. This initiative is part of a broader NIH effort to expand research on Down syndrome and its co-occurring conditions, as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2018, 2019, and 2020 Omnibus Appropriations Reports.

Grant Details
The INCLUDE Project encourages projects that focus on: development of various animal models; genetic resources; atlases at single cell or subcellular levels; advanced informatics technologies including artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML); integration of multiple animal models and technology platforms to enhance rigor and reproducibility in preclinical DS research.

Specific examples include: new or improved animal models for studying biological mechanisms underlying DS; development of resources for high throughput genetic screens; AI/ML tools for integrating multi-omics data; whole-organism atlases at single cell levels; resources for detecting protein-protein interactions in cells related to DS; and methods to study the impact of emerging human pathogens on individuals with DS.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, public/state controlled institutions, private institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), local governments, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Indian/Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions. Individuals from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
The total project period may not exceed 2 years. The award budget allows up to $200,000 direct costs per year with a combined maximum of $275,000 direct costs over the two-year project period.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is contingent upon NIH appropriations with individual awards not exceeding $200,000 direct costs in any single year.