Topic(s): Opening remarks

Topic(s): NIA priorities, budget updates

Topic(s): NOFOs, funding mechanisms, current changes at NIH

Session Overview: Participants from North Dakota will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the National Institute on Aging (NIA) manages its research grants, contracts, and training programs, including the full lifecycle of a grant. The program will cover the scientific peer review process and the role of the National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) in funding decisions. Attendees will learn how Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) are developed, as well as how applications are received, referred, and coordinated for scientific review. The session will also address the management of training and career development programs that support the next generation of aging researchers. In addition, participants will receive information on special initiatives such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, along with an overview of the Division of Extramural Activities’ role in oversight, review, and compliance of clinical research.

Topic(s): Native Communities, Investigators, and Research Sponsors: Navigating Organizational, Political, and Cultural Differences

Topic(s): Program highlights, BLSA

Facilitator(s): Dr. David Wilson, UND; Dr. Holly Brown-Borg, UND

Session Overview: Coming soon.

Topic(s): DAB, DN, DGCG, DBSR; intramural

Facilitator(s): Dr. Holly Brown-Borg, UND 

Session Overview: North Dakota has a diverse mix of researchers, creating a wide array of potential users for the extensive resources offered by the NIA. In this session, we will delve into the various resources and repositories available for different research types. Participants will gain insights into whom to contact and understand the eligibility criteria for accessing these resources. We will also discuss where to find support for utilizing these offerings effectively. Furthermore, we will outline specific timelines for access (if any) and, most importantly, explore how our diverse researchers can capitalize on these opportunities to advance fundamental, translational, and clinical research, ultimately enhancing health outcomes across North Dakota.

Topic(s): Program highlights, including Nathan Shock Centers, ITP

Facilitator(s): Dr. Colin Combs, UND

Session Overview: North Dakota has a diverse group of researchers and inventors, who would be interested in exploring funding opportunities offered by the NIA Division of Aging Biology (DAB). The research efforts at NDSU and UND are largely geared towards identification of novel molecular targets or pathways in the age-related diseases and development of innovative drug discovery approaches. This session will address funding priorities and the current & future opportunities in the areas of Aging Biology encompassing cell biology (molecular determinants of aging and longevity), aging physiology of organ systems (interorgan communication – gut-bone marrow-brain axis and muscle-immune-brain axis) and translational research (interventions for healthy longevity, stem cells & regeneration and sex differences).

Topic(s): Program highlights AD/ADRD

Facilitator(s): Dr. Yagna Jarajapu, NDSU; Dr. Joel Steele, UND

Session Overview: North Dakota and the surrounding areas including South Dakota and Nebraska have a diverse group of professional, who are currently engaged in Neuroscience research, would be interested in exploring funding opportunities offered by the NIA Division of Neuroscience (DN). In this session, the participants will gather insights into the funding priorities in the research areas aimed at understanding neural and behavioral processes associated with the normal aging (molecular, cellular, synaptic and circuitry mechanisms) as well as in the areas of basic research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with aging (inflammation, proteinopathy/protein polymorphisms and structural biology). Research areas focused at understanding the impact of diet, exercise and medication use on brain aging and dementias will also be covered.

Topic(s): Program highlights, long life study, caloric restriction 

Facilitator(s): Dr. Kyle Hackney, NDSU; Dr. Donald Jurivich, UND 

Session Overview: Research efforts at NDSU and UND align with the NIA Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology and its focus on improving health, function, and independence in older adults through clinically relevant and translational research. This session highlights current priorities in healthy lifespans, biological age metrics, resilience/stress, inflammaging, multimorbidity, frailty, sarcopenia, falls, AI – driven aging interventions, multimodal data bases, and optimization of bioenergetics. Participants will gain insight into funding opportunities supporting clinical and health services research, including interventions to optimize healthy lifespans, mobility, cognitive health, and symptom management; medication optimization and polypharmacy; rehabilitation strategies; and pragmatic trials designed to enhance care delivery. Research addressing health disparities, caregiving, and implementation of evidence-based models of care in diverse aging populations will also be discussed.

Topic(s): Program Highlights, Caregiving, Social Isolation, Demography centers

Facilitator(s): Dr. Jeremy Hamm, NDSU; Dr. Anna Finley, NDSU

Session Overview: North Dakota researchers in the behavioral and social sciences study a variety of topics with relevance for DBSR. Following a broad program overview, this session will address funding priorities and opportunities that emphasize the role of psychological (e.g., beliefs, emotions, stress), social (e.g., caregiving, networks, social isolation) and behavioral factors (e.g., physical activity, sleep, diet) in promoting healthy aging outcomes (e.g., cognitive aging, chronic disease risk, mortality risk). These topics will be addressed within the context of aging in rural and urban communities, given its relevance to North Dakota specifically and the Upper Midwest more broadly. Participants will gain insights into how researchers can capitalize on these opportunities to advance basic and translational research and ultimately improve health outcomes for North Dakotans.

Topic(s): Health Communication and Research Participation Among Indigenous Populations: Pathways to Engagement and Partnership

Topic(s): NIH Fellowships, K awards

Facilitator(s): Dr. Bryant Smalley, UND

Topic(s): NIH Review Process; Recent Changes

Facilitator(s): Michael Sadler, UND

Session Overview: This session offers a comprehensive and approachable introduction to the NIH grant process, guiding participants through each stage from submission to review. It will highlight recent changes to the NIH review system, helping attendees understand what’s new and how those updates may impact their applications. In addition, the session will provide practical, experience-based strategies for crafting a strong and competitive grant proposal, covering key elements such as clarity, alignment with NIH priorities, and effective communication of research significance. Overall, the presentation is designed to demystify the process and equip participants with the tools and confidence needed to pursue funding successfully.

Topic(s): NIH Small Business Awards

Facilitator(s): Dr. Bryant Smalley, UND; Dr. Colin Combs, UND

Session Overview: This session will introduce the highly competitive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Small businesses engaged in the nation’s R&D arena stimulate high tech innovation and stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit in rapidly developing states like North Dakota. NIH officials will share best practices on how to apply to the program and some best practices when writing applications.

Topic(s): Closing Remarks