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Utilizing Invasive Recording and Stimulating Opportunities in Humans to Advance Neural Circuitry Understanding of Mental Health Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity PAR-25-291

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Independent school districts
• Public and State institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Public housing authorities
• Native American tribal organizations (other)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3), other than higher education
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3)
• Private institutions of higher education
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses
• Others

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.

About this opportunity

Reissue of RFA-20-351.The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to encourage applications to pursue invasive neural recording studies focused on mental health-relevant questions. Invasive neural recordings provide an unparalleled window into the human brain to explore the neural circuitry and neural dynamics underlying complex moods, emotions, cognitive functions, and behaviors with high spatial and temporal resolution. Additionally, the ability to stimulate, via the same electrodes, allows for direct causal tests by modulating network dynamics. This funding opportunity aims to target a gap in the scientific knowledge of neural circuit function related to mental health disorders. Researchers should target specific questions suited to invasive recording modalities that have high translational potential. Development of new technologies and therapies are outside the scope of this NOFO.

Portfolio context — this listing covers more than this opportunity

This opportunity is funded under Assistance Listing 93.242 (“Mental Health Research Grants”), a broad federal program that made about 863 new awards per year over the last five fiscal years (median award $552k). Those figures describe that whole portfolio — not this specific solicitation, so we don't show them as if they were this opportunity's track record.

Applicant counts per solicitation are not published by any federal agency — no one can honestly sell you that number. NIH publishes success rates by institute and activity code — source.

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