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

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

What is the PAR-22-098 funding opportunity?

PAR-22-098, titled "Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)," is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) exploratory and developmental research grant opportunity using the R21 mechanism. It supports early-stage, innovative research on brain and broader nervous system function and disorders across the entire lifespan, with explicit relevance to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Which grant mechanism does this opportunity use?

This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is intended for exploratory and developmental projects that are conceptually strong and potentially transformative. Examples include pilot studies, proof-of-concept projects, and new collaborative approaches that could grow into larger research programs later.

What does "exploratory and developmental" mean in the context of an R21?

Within this opportunity, "exploratory and developmental" refers to early-stage work that aims to stimulate new, high-impact lines of inquiry rather than support large, mature programs. The focus is on generating foundational evidence, testing promising ideas, and building collaborations that can support more comprehensive efforts in the future.

Is this announcement new, or is it a reissue?

The announcement is described as a reissue, meaning it was released again to correct earlier errors or fill in missing details. The core purpose remains the same: to encourage innovative, early-stage research with potential for high impact.

What research areas are in scope?

The scope is intentionally broad and spans brain and broader nervous system function and disorders across the lifespan. It includes neurological, mental, behavioral, alcohol, and substance use disorders, particularly as they relate to LMIC settings, populations, and health system realities.

Does the opportunity focus on any particular stage of life?

No. The opportunity explicitly covers research "across the lifespan," meaning projects can focus on any life stage (or multiple stages), as long as the work fits the broader focus on brain and nervous system function and disorders.

How does this opportunity define LMICs?

Country income categories for LMIC relevance are defined using World Bank classifications, as referenced in the opportunity description.

Is LMIC relevance required or just encouraged?

The opportunity has explicit relevance to LMICs and encourages research that matters for LMIC settings, populations, health systems, and real-world constraints. Based on the provided description, alignment with LMIC context is a central feature of the announcement.

What types of science does the FOA support (basic to implementation)?

The FOA supports a broad continuum of research, including basic and mechanistic studies (such as work on nervous system development, function, and pathology), clinical and translational efforts, and implementation research focused on delivering effective interventions in routine care, community, or public health environments.

Are clinical trials required?

No. The FOA is labeled "clinical trial optional," meaning applications may include clinical trials when appropriate, but clinical trials are not required. Applicants may propose either clinical trial or non-trial studies depending on what best fits the research question.

Can an application include a clinical trial?

Yes. Clinical trials may be included if they are appropriate for the proposed research. The "clinical trial optional" designation signals flexibility rather than a requirement.

What kinds of projects are especially well-aligned with the R21 purpose here?

Projects that fit the described intent include pilot studies, proof-of-concept work, and innovative early-stage research that could open up new directions. The FOA also highlights the creation of new collaborative approaches that can later expand into broader programs.

Is international collaboration emphasized?

Yes. Collaboration and partnership across countries is a major theme. The opportunity is designed to support cross-national teams that combine complementary expertise, infrastructure, and local knowledge relevant to LMIC contexts.

Who can partner with LMIC institutions under this FOA?

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 research teams.

Is a U.S. partner required for projects involving LMIC institutions?

Not in all cases. The FOA 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.

What is the purpose of the partnership structure described in the FOA?

The partnership structure is meant to encourage equitable research relationships, strengthen regional scientific networks, and accelerate solutions that are locally relevant rather than imported without adaptation.

Does the FOA emphasize capacity building in LMICs?

Yes. Beyond producing publishable results, the FOA emphasizes longer-term capacity building and sustainability in LMIC research environments. Funded projects are expected to act as building blocks toward broader, maintainable research programs.

What types of capacity building outcomes are highlighted?

The description highlights strengthening local scientific skills, mentorship and training opportunities, research infrastructure, and institutional partnerships, along with establishing a foundation for research networking.

Does the FOA mention policy relevance or real-world decision-making?

Yes. NIH notes that funded work may contribute to evidence-based policy, including producing actionable data, scalable models, or decision-ready evidence for ministries of health and other stakeholders.

What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. The FOA includes (among others) public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). It also includes multiple government entity types and a range of mission-driven and underserved-serving institutions.

Are U.S. higher education institutions eligible?

Yes. The FOA includes public and private institutions of higher education as eligible applicant organizations.

Are nonprofit organizations eligible?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations are eligible, including those with or without 501(c)(3) status, as described in the opportunity summary.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.

Are government entities eligible to apply?

Yes. The FOA lists several government entity types as eligible, including state, county, city/township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, public housing authorities, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments and certain tribal organizations.

Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes faith-based or community-based organizations.

Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are explicitly included among eligible organizations.

Are foreign (non-U.S.) organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligibility list explicitly includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations).

Does the FOA specifically include underserved-serving institutions?

Yes. The FOA explicitly names several categories of underserved-serving institutions 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).

Which federal agency is offering this grant?

The opportunity is offered through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is described as a discretionary grant opportunity.

What activity categories are associated with this opportunity?

The listing notes that activity categories are aligned to health and social services.

Which Assistance Listing (CFDA) numbers are associated with PAR-22-098?

The associated Assistance Listing numbers provided 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 related to neuroscience, mental health, substance use, and related areas.

What is the closing date shown in the provided information?

The original closing date shown is 2024-12-09.

Is the award ceiling specified in the provided information?

No. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided source data.

Is the expected number of awards specified?

No. The expected number of awards is not specified in the provided source data.

Does the provided information include NIH budget guidance for R21 projects?

No. The summary notes that 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.

What is the main overall goal of this opportunity?

The opportunity aims to stimulate bold, collaborative, early-stage projects that can unlock new directions in understanding and addressing brain and nervous system disorders in LMIC contexts, while strengthening long-term LMIC research capacity, partnerships, and the ability to generate evidence that can inform practice and policy.