Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 22 098

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 22 098

Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional), Funding Opportunity Number PAR-22-098, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) exploratory and developmental research grant opportunity that supports early-stage, innovative projects focused on brain and broader nervous system function and disorders across the entire lifespan. The announcement is described as a reissue, meaning it was released again to fix earlier errors or missing details, but its core purpose is to stimulate new, high-impact lines of inquiry rather than fund large, mature programs. As an R21 mechanism, it is designed for projects that are conceptually strong and potentially transformative, including pilot studies, proof-of-concept research, and the creation of new collaborative approaches that can later grow into more comprehensive research programs.

A central feature of this opportunity is its explicit relevance to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with country income categories defined by the World Bank classifications. The FOA encourages research that addresses neurological, mental, behavioral, alcohol, and substance use disorders in ways that matter for LMIC settings, populations, health systems, and real-world constraints. The scope is intentionally broad and can span the full continuum of science, from basic and mechanistic work (for example, studies of nervous system development, function, and pathology) through clinical and translational efforts, and on to implementation research that examines how to deliver effective interventions in routine care, community, or public health environments. The "clinical trial optional" framing signals that applications may include clinical trials when appropriate, but they are not required; applicants can propose either trial or non-trial studies depending on what best fits the research question.

Collaboration and partnership across countries is a major eligibility and programmatic theme. Scientists based in the United States or in upper-middle income countries (UMICs) are eligible to partner with researchers at LMIC institutions, supporting cross-national teams that combine complementary expertise, infrastructure, and local knowledge. Importantly, the FOA also allows UMIC investigators who are based in LMICs to partner directly with other LMIC institutions, and it does not require a U.S. partner for those collaborations. This structure is meant to encourage equitable research relationships, strengthen regional scientific networks, and accelerate solutions that are locally relevant rather than imported without adaptation.

Beyond generating publishable results, the FOA emphasizes longer-term capacity building and sustainability in LMIC research environments. Funded projects are expected to function as building blocks toward broader research programs that can be maintained over time, including strengthening local scientific skills, mentorship and training opportunities, research infrastructure, and institutional partnerships. The NIH also highlights that the work may help establish a foundation for research networking and contribute to evidence-based policy, meaning that projects that produce actionable data, scalable models, or decision-ready evidence for ministries of health and other stakeholders align well with the announcement's intent.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of applicant organizations. In addition to standard U.S. applicants such as public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses, the FOA lists multiple levels of government entities (state, county, city/township, special districts), independent school districts, public housing authorities, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments and certain tribal organizations. It also explicitly names a range of mission-driven or underserved-serving institutions and organizations as eligible, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), along with faith-based or community-based organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). In practical terms, this wide eligibility is intended to expand who can lead or participate in global neuroscience and mental health research, and to support research ecosystems that connect academic centers with community and public-sector partners.

Administrative details included in the listing note that this is a discretionary grant opportunity under NIH, with activity categories aligned to health and social services. The CFDA (now commonly referenced as Assistance Listing) numbers associated with the FOA are 93.113, 93.173, 93.242, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867, and 93.989, reflecting involvement across multiple NIH institutes and programs that touch neuroscience, mental health, substance use, and related areas. The original closing date shown is 2024-12-09. Award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided source data, so applicants typically need to consult the full FOA and NIH budget guidance for the R21 mechanism to understand allowable costs, project period expectations, and any institute-specific priorities.

Overall, PAR-22-098 is best understood as an NIH invitation to propose bold, collaborative, early-stage projects that can unlock new directions in understanding and addressing brain and nervous system disorders in LMIC contexts, while also strengthening the long-term ability of LMIC institutions and partnerships to generate evidence, develop interventions, and inform policy across the lifespan.

• The National Institutes of Health in the environment, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.173, 93.242, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867, 93.989.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-02-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-12-09. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 22 098

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