Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Funding Agency:
- National Institutes of Health
The Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant program supports exploratory and foundational research projects that fall within the scientific missions of the NINDS and NIMH. Awards will provide support for the early and conceptual stages of these projects. These studies may involve considerable risk, but may lead to breakthroughs in important areas of neuroscience, or to the development of novel techniques, reagents, methodologies, or models, of high value to the neuroscience community.
The evolution and vitality of neuroscience require a constant infusion of new ideas, techniques, and points of view. These may differ substantially from current thinking or practice, and may not yet be supported by substantial preliminary data.
This program is intended to encourage research that will explore new ideas, and advance early stages of projects. For example, such projects could assess the feasibility of a novel area of investigation or a new experimental system that has the potential to enhance neuroscience related research. Another example could include the unique and innovative use of an existing methodology to explore a new area of neuroscience.
Areas of Interest of Participating Institutes, Centers and Offices
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Here are some important points to consider before applying:
Only applications that fall within the scientific mission of the NINDS will be accepted and considered for funding by NINDS (https://www.ninds.nih.gov/About-NINDS/Who-We-Are/Mission) .
To assess the relevance of an application topic, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NINDS program staff before submitting. A listing of NINDS program staff can be found at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/About-NINDS/Who-We-Are/Program-Directors.
Applicants are strongly advised to consult with NINDS Scientific/Research staff prior to submitting an application with human subjects to determine the appropriate funding opportunity.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The NIMH Division of Neuroscience and Basic Behavioral Science encourages applications aligned with Goal 1 of the NIMH 2024 Strategic Plan. The NIMH Division of AIDS Research also invites applications in the program areas outlined on the HIV Neuropathogenesis, Genetics, and Therapeutics Branch webpage that are aligned with the NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-related Research. Applications focused on other areas of the NIMH Strategic Plan will not be supported by NIMH under this NOFO. For guidance on appropriate NOFOs for submission, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult NIMH program staff before submitting.
No clinical trials will be accepted with the NOFO.
Applicants are strongly advised to consult with NINDS or NIMH Scientific/Research staff prior to submitting an application with human subjects to determine the appropriate funding opportunity.
Per NOT-OD-16-011, the NIH expects applicants to apply rigor in designing and performing scientific research according to the NIH Principles and Guidelines for Reporting Preclinical Research.
To take advantage of higher success rates, Early Stage Investigators are encouraged to consider the R01 funding mechanism.
Direct costs are limited to $275,000 over a two-year period, with no more than $200,000 in direct costs allowed in any single year.
February 16, 2025; June 16, 2025; October 16, 2025
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Please use this link to find the appropriate Scientific Contact
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Please use this link to find the appropriate Scientific Contact