Posted date: August 6, 2025
Application due date: accepting applications through November 17, 2025 (5pm PST)
Earliest projected start date: Summer 2026
NIH U24 Music Networks Pilot Research Program: AD/ADRD
2025 Request for Applications (RFA)
Overview
In 2023, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and National Institute on Aging (NIA), with co-funding support from NIH’s Office of Behavior and Social Sciences Research (OBSSR) and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), funded four music research networks to promote multidisciplinary mechanistic studies of music-based interventions (MBIs) for pain or Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD). These networks are expected to develop compelling research frameworks that will effectively guide future clinical studies on MBIs in the context of these health conditions; adopt consistent terminology and taxonomy; support interdisciplinary collaborations; and initiate 1-year pilot projects to test novel mechanistic hypotheses.
The purpose of the 2025 RFA is to elicit 1-year mechanistic pilot studies to generate the necessary preliminary data to strengthen future NIH applications for later-stage studies on mechanisms through which music may have a positive impact on health in the context of AD/ADRD. These pilot studies will also facilitate multidisciplinary collaborations (e.g., among neuroscientists, music therapists, musicians, music educators, and biomedical, behavioral, or social scientists).
Only mechanistic studies, including mechanistic clinical trials, are eligible for this RFA.
Studies that are designed to test the safety or demonstrate efficacy/effectiveness of MBI are not eligible and should be submitted under the appropriate NIA Clinical Trial FOA. Please see NIA’s Clinical Trials Funding Opportunity Announcements web page for further information.
Scientific Scope
The scientific scope of the pilot projects is limited to the following high-priority research areas, as outlined in the parent RFA-AT-23-009 for the U24 music research networks:
1) Exploration of innovative mechanistic hypotheses of the neural systems involved in the therapeutic effect of music (e.g., sensory, motor, cognitive, emotional/affective, reward, interoceptive systems) in the context of AD/ADRD
2) Examination of non-neural physiological systems and novel measures (e.g., impact on related non-neural organs, biochemical and molecular signals, epigenetic modifications) relevant to music or MBIs in the context of AD/ADRD
3) Investigation of psychological, behavioral, and social factors related to the effects of music or MBIs for AD/ADRD (including, but not limited to, predictors, moderators, or mediators of MBI treatment effects)
4) Discovery of treatment response or predictive biomarkers or signatures/profiles for music or MBIs in the context of AD/ADRD
5) Development and/or testing of innovative animal models to study mechanisms and biomarkers of music or MBIs in the context of AD/ADRD
6) Development and/or testing of novel technologies to measure how music or MBIs impact the brain or body, or to monitor health-related responses relevant to AD/ADRD
Please note that an outline of research priorities (developed after the May 2024 Music, Dementia, and Brain Research Summit in Washington, DC) is found on the MDRN website.
The Music & Dementia Research Network has an interest in using mobile brain-body imaging (MoBI) technologies through its collaboration with the National Science Foundation-funded BRAIN Center (Building Reliable Advances and Innovations in Neurotechnology). The BRAIN Center will provide access to MoBI equipment, software, AI algorithms, and expertise for pilot projects funded by the Network. Technical support can be provided but the cost (e.g., travel to site for training, supplies) must be budgeted in the pilot. Depending on the level of contribution of BRAIN, some pilots would require collaboration while others only technical support. Please reach out to the Music & Dementia Research Network, as appropriate.
Additional Considerations
The NIA utilizes the NIH Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development and Science of Behavior Change as frameworks for behavioral intervention development and is especially interested in Stage I studies focused on testing the mechanisms through which MBIs may achieve their effects, consistent with the NIH Science of Behavior Change emphasis on mechanisms of change.
Information about the NIH Stage Model can be found at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/dbsr/stage-model-behavioral-intervention-development.
Information regarding NIH’s Science of Behavior Change (SOBC) program can be found at: https://commonfund.nih.gov/behaviorchange.
Primary data collection projects are appropriate, but projects must be completed within the proposed 1-year timeline. In such cases, leveraging ongoing studies by adding a study design element, measure, or using a similar approach is strongly encouraged.
Secondary data analysis projects are appropriate but must represent a novel scientific advancement.
The proposals cannot include high-risk populations.
No data collection for human subjects or animal research in foreign countries is permitted.
Eligibility
Research scholar affiliated with an accredited university or medical center with the capacity to submit NIH grants in the United States.
Early-stage investigators are encouraged to apply. Postdoctoral scholars can serve as the PI, but they must include a letter of support from a faculty mentor. Doctoral students are not eligible.
Pilot applications must include multidisciplinary teams. This includes, at a minimum, two investigators who represent different scientific disciplines.
Applicants are encouraged to register as a member of the Music & Dementia Research Network by the time of submission (if they haven’t already done so).
Funding
Each pilot project may request funding up to $50,000 in modular increments of $25,000. Projects requiring over $50,000 must obtain prior approval. Institutional indirect costs and publication costs are not allowable.
Details about the Application and Submission Process
An application (single-spaced, 0.5 margins, and in Arial 11 font) must include the following:
Cover Page: Include names of principal investigator and other key personnel, institution (for each), mailing address, email, name and email of grants manager, pilot study title, keywords, and target research area (from above).
Proposal: Using the required format and 6 pages maximum (excluding literature cited and letters of support):
Specific Aims (1 page)
Significance and Innovation (approximate length: 1 page)
Approach/Research plan (approximate length: 2-3 pages)
Environment (approximate length: ½ page)
Potential for future NIH funding (approximate length: ½ page)
Literature cited (not included in the page limit)
Maximum of two 1-page letters of support (not included in the page limit)
Preliminary data can be included within the 6-page proposal to support the scientific premise of the study. However, preliminary data are not required, and the absence of it will not be factored into the evaluation.
NIH Biosketches (non-fellowship) for all key personnel
Budget and Budget Justification
One-year modular budget in increments of $25,000 but not to exceed $50,000 and a budget justification using the NIH R&R forms. Pilot applications with a budget over $50,000 require prior approval.
Expenses may include salary and fringe benefits for the PI, co-Investigators and research staff, research supplies, and participant payments.
Project-related travel expenses are allowed but must occur during the 1-year pilot period.
Institutional indirect costs and publication costs are not allowed.
Budgets will need to be approved by NIH if selected for funding.
Note: A letter of intent is not required.
Submit the application as a single PDF to this secure Qualtrics link: https://ucsf.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4VdD6FpBIbOA7u6
Evaluation Criteria
The review panel will evaluate the proposals based on:
Importance of Research
Does the study address an important mechanistic issues related to the effects of music in the context of AD/ADRD?
Does the proposal include novel concepts, approaches, or methods that will advance knowledge about music in the context of AD/ADRD?
Rigor and Feasibility
Are overall methods, study design, analyses, or planned activities appropriate and feasible to be completed within the award period?
Expertise and Resources
Do the principal investigator and co-investigator(s) have the background necessary to complete the
pilot project?
Does the proposal involve collaborators from multiple disciplines?
Will the environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success?
Are the institutional support, equipment, and other physical resources available to the investigators
adequate for the pilot project?
Will the project benefit from unique features of the environment, participant populations, or collaborative
arrangements?
Future potential.
Does the proposal have potential to help expand the research network?
Is the proposal likely to lead to future NIH funding, and has the applicant clearly articulated future plans stemming from this project?
Review and Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by a MDRN review panel
The selection of pilot projects will be made in consultation with the NIH Project Scientist(s) and approved by the NIH Program Officer(s).
Selected pilot applications will be requested to submit additional materials for further consideration and to conform to NIH funding requirements.
Final Report. A final report at the conclusion of the pilot study will be required.
Key Dates
Posted date: August 6, 2025
Application due date: accepting applications through November 17, 2025 (5pm Pacific standard time)
Earliest projected start date: Summer 2026
Music & Dementia Research Network Contact
Julene K Johnson, PhD (PI)
Julian Silva, MA, MT-BC (project manager)
Website: mdrn.ucsf.edu
Email: [email protected]
Music, Brain Health, and Dementia Summit RESEARCH THEMES / PRIORITIES
AARP headquarters, Washington DC (May 16-18, 2024)
7/11/24 DRAFT
Overall Goal of MDRN: To accelerate [equitable, inclusive] research [grounded in clinical and community wisdom] that aims to understand the mechanisms by which [culturally-informed MBIs] affect health and well-being [in ways that are aligned with priorities] of older adults living with AD/ADRD and their care partners. Note: suggested additions in italics.
Theme: Mechanisms (neural and behavioral)
a. Evaluate NIH Toolkit biomarkers
i. Identify appropriate biomarker and link neural mechanisms to Toolkit table
1. data harmonization (front > back)
2. theta / gamma activity > retaining memories
3. stress > cortisol and inflammation
b. Link neural mechanisms to different stages of dementia (11)
c. Understand neural mechanisms of MBIs in healthy brains (10)d. Link neural mechanisms to specific behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia [BPSD] (e.g., apathy, agitation) (7)
e. Link neural mechanisms to specific components of music to help select music (6)
i. E.g., rhythm, timbre – might be target active ingredients of a MBI, then important to know which neural mechanisms are activated. Example: rhythm-basal ganglia pathway
f. Build enough evidence (e.g., neural mechanisms) for actionable goals (e.g., Medicare) (5)
i. Use neurologic MT [music therapy] as an example
ii. Use NIH Stage model
g. Address modifiable risk factors - using wearable technology (e.g., actigraphy, MoBI) (3)
i. Sleep, night awakening
ii. Relaxation, mood, quality of life
iii. HRV [heart rate variability] tracking
iv. Physical activity, sensory stimulation,
v. Socialh. Make connections between surface level signal and deep structures, by combining EEG and fMRI (2)
i. Use neural mechanisms to validate MBIs (1)
j. Neural mechanisms of non-Alzheimer disease [AD] dementias (e.g., Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia)
Theme: Technology
a. Promote open, collaboration for technology design well-suited for music studies (10)
b. Promote immersive, longitudinal, personalized and multidisciplinary studies (7)
c. Establish best practices for detecting neurological states of the brain (7)
i. Develop toolboxes that are validated and open accessd. Offer workshops and training for music therapists and music-in-medicine researchers about available technology (7)
i. 3-7 day workshops, toolbox
e. Real time visualization of biometrics (3)
f. Workforce development of music therapists and dance therapists (1)
g. Digital twin (1)i. refers to a multimodal model of a person that can be used to simulate intervention and their impact of brain health and wellbeing.
Theme: Cultural Wisdom and DEI
a. Database of MBIs with consideration/evaluation of culture, heterogeneity, equitable, and training needs (21)
b. Design our research with persons with dementia and care partners, caregivers, clinicians, allies, activists, organizations with culture bearers, etc. (15)
c. Promote equity-informed research questions (10)
i. Include time and funding to support listen and learning across communities and models
d. Acknowledge that therapeutic uses of music have existed for millennia
i. Honor the practice, wisdom, and traditions
