Continuation of the Exceptional Longevity Data Management and Coordinating Center (EL DMCC) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support the continued operation and expansion of the Exceptional Longevity Data Management and Coordinating Center (EL DMCC) through a single U24 cooperative agreement award. The NOFO will be open to all eligible applicants.

Established in 2022, the EL DMCC serves as the central hub for NIA’s human longevity translational research portfolio, integrating data and activities across studies to maximize the value of deeply phenotyped cohorts and associated genomic and multi-omics datasets.

The DMCC currently plays a critical role in enabling cross-cohort analyses, coordinating collaborative research, and advancing shared data resources. Core functions include data harmonization and integration; development and implementation of common data standards; provision of statistical, computational, and artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) infrastructure and tools; coordination of cross-project collaborations; and managing shared data systems, including data storage, access, and platform operations.

The DMCC also develops and maintains the ELITE (Exceptional Longevity Translational Resources) Portal, which provides secure access to harmonized datasets, analytical tools, and cloud-based computational workspaces. The DMCC supports controlled access to EL data and use of these resources by the research community and maintains ongoing efforts to ensure the Portal is interoperable with the NIA Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Portal and other data resources of the National Institutes of Health, consistent with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data principles.

Through the NOFO, the Coordinating Center will be expected to build on and expand these core functions by:

Enhancing integration of increasingly large and diverse datasets across cohorts and speciesExpanding statistical, computational, and AI/ML capabilities and associated infrastructureDeveloping and refining methods and standards for multi-omics data harmonization and integrative analysesCoordinating and supporting collaborative research across NIA-funded projectsDeveloping and disseminating translational resources, including target nomination and prioritization resources, curated target knowledgebases, and inventories of candidate therapeutic targetsAdvancing the ELITE Portal, including improvements in data organization, search, visualization, interoperability, and cloud-based analytical environmentsStrengthening community engagement through training, workshops, and collaborative activitiesApplications are not being solicited at this time. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.