The Road to Prevention of Stillbirth Clinical Research Centers (UG1 Clinical Trial Optional)

Background
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to invite applications for participation as a Research Center in the Stillbirth Research Consortium.

The goal is to establish an integrated and collaborative consortium that supports innovative research aimed at reducing stillbirth rates, particularly among vulnerable populations. This initiative emphasizes the importance of utilizing an equity lens in research approaches.

Grant Details
The awarded Research Centers will focus on several key objectives:

(1) Developing tools, devices, and technologies that can directly impact stillbirth incidence;

(2) Enhancing understanding of the mechanisms leading to stillbirth;

(3) Investigating conditions contributing to stillbirth, including genetic factors and infections;

(4) Leveraging existing datasets to elucidate stillbirth risks;

(5) Improving communication between healthcare professionals and families regarding pregnancy care.

Each Research Center must propose one to two research projects that align with these goals, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The projects should also include a plan for the inclusion of People with Lived Experience (PWLE). Examples of potential research topics include investigating genetic contributions to stillbirth, developing new technologies for placental assessment, and examining the impact of environmental factors on stillbirth rates.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, state governments, tribal governments, and other entities. Special encouragement is given to institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges. Non-domestic entities are not eligible to apply unless they are components of U.S. organizations.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 5 years. The earliest start date for awarded projects is November 01, 2024.

Grant Value
NICHD intends to commit approximately $4.3 million in direct costs for Fiscal Year 2025 to fund 3-5 awards. Individual application budgets may not exceed $860,000 per year in direct costs.

Place of Performance
The grant will be performed across various locations in the United States as part of the collaborative efforts within the Stillbirth Research Consortium.