AI in NIA: Opportunities in artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) — the science of computer systems that can mimic human-like thinking and decision-making processes — has continued to evolve since our 2022 blog on this topic. With that growth comes added fascination for AI’s possibilities and caution about its potential pitfalls.

Beyond the headlines, the aging science community is most excited about how AI — and its related field of machine learning (ML) — can turbocharge tools and models to accelerate research in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias as well as other complex health challenges.

Multi-scale modelers, apply by June 13!

As NIA continues to expand its portfolio of AI/ML initiatives, be sure to check out our latest funding opportunity on multi-scale computational models in aging and Alzheimer’s (RFA-AG-25-016) with an application deadline of June 13, 2024. This RFA encompasses a variety of computational approaches — such as mathematical and computational modeling, image analysis, AI, and ML — to better understand aging processes and Alzheimer’s and related dementias across molecules, cells, and cellular networks, and how they affect cognition and behavior.

Training opportunities

If you’re interested in learning more, the NIH Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD) has numerous training opportunities, open-access resources, and tools to help investigators take advantage of AI and ML capabilities. For example, GenoML, an open-source project created by CARD staff and collaborators, offers a streamlined approach to machine learning in genomics and has been downloaded more than 15,000 times since its launch.

Collaborations in computing

NIA also participates in broad efforts to advance cutting-edge AI research in partnership with other federal and international funders through programs such as:

• Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience — NIA participates in this National Science Foundation-led initiative supporting collaboration using AI to enhance understanding of the nervous system. The due date for fiscal year 2025 applications is Nov. 13, 2024.
• Advancing Combination Therapy and Drug Repurposing for Alzheimer’s Disease — Through this project, scientists work to accelerate data-driven repositioning and repurposing of previously approved drugs for their potential to impact Alzheimer’s and related dementias research.
• Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project — This NIA-funded effort supports nine U01 awards through which researchers are developing and applying AI approaches to identify genetic variations associated with susceptibility or resistance to Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

Apply by June 13 and connect to get involved

NIA recognizes the transformative potential of AI in analyzing complex datasets, accelerating the understanding of Alzheimer’s pathology, and identifying novel treatment avenues. Together, we hope these advanced tools and methods will help us better understand the aging process and find a cure for dementia and other age-related diseases.

To be a part of the next chapter, apply for the latest multi-scale computational models in aging and Alzheimer’s funding opportunity by June 13. To learn more, visit the NIA AI page. As always, we invite comments below!