Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 17 313
Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity designed to support early-stage, exploratory, and developmental research focused on the brain and broader nervous system across the entire life course. The core goal is to spark innovative, collaborative projects that address questions or challenges that matter specifically in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The FOA is intentionally broad in scientific scope, allowing proposals that range from foundational basic science through translational and clinical work, and all the way to implementation research that tests how to deliver or scale effective interventions in real-world settings. It explicitly welcomes research on neurological disorders as well as mental, behavioral, alcohol, and substance use disorders, recognizing that these conditions often intersect and can be shaped by local context, health systems, and social determinants.
The opportunity emphasizes partnership and collaboration across countries and institutions. Investigators based in the United States or in upper-middle-income countries (UMICs) may apply in partnership with scientists working in LMIC institutions. In addition, investigators based in UMIC settings are allowed to partner directly with investigators at other LMIC institutions, and they can do so either with or without a U.S. partner. The FOA uses World Bank income classifications to define whether a country falls into LMIC or UMIC categories, which matters for determining the intended types of collaborations and eligibility pathways. Overall, the structure is meant to encourage equitable, cross-border research teams that bring together complementary expertise, local knowledge, and infrastructure, with the expectation that the resulting work will be relevant to the needs and realities of LMIC contexts.
As an R21 mechanism, this announcement supports exploratory or proof-of-concept work rather than large, mature programs of research. R21 grants are commonly used to generate preliminary data, test a new approach, build a novel collaboration, pilot an intervention, or explore feasibility in a way that can position a team for a larger follow-on study later. The listed award ceiling for this opportunity is $125,000, underscoring that it is aimed at smaller, high-impact pilots or early-stage projects rather than extensive multi-site trials. Even with a modest cap, the FOA invites ambitious ideas, particularly those that are innovative in concept, method, or collaboration model, and that can lead to more definitive research if early results are promising.
Eligibility is intentionally wide and includes many types of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other Native American tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities, and U.S. territories or possessions. In practice, this breadth signals NIH interest in reaching a diverse set of institutions and communities, including those that may be well-positioned to build durable global health research partnerships.
Administratively, the opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant under NIH, with the funding opportunity number PAR-17-313. It falls under the broad activity categories of environment and health and is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (93.113, 93.121, 93.173, 93.242, 93.321, 93.853, 93.866, 93.867, 93.989), which reflects involvement or relevance across different NIH institutes and programs that touch brain, mental health, substance use, and related neuroscience priorities. The original closing date shown for the announcement is June 19, 2018, and the creation date is June 13, 2017, which is useful context for understanding the timing of the specific posting.
In plain terms, this FOA is about helping research teams test bold ideas on brain and nervous system disorders in LMIC-relevant settings, while also strengthening international scientific collaboration. It encourages projects that can bridge gaps between discovery and real-world impact, whether that means identifying mechanisms of disease, improving detection and diagnosis, adapting or developing interventions, or figuring out how to deliver effective care in resource-constrained environments and varied cultural contexts across the lifespan.Apply for PAR 17 313
- The National Institutes of Health in the environment, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113, 93.121, 93.173, 93.242, 93.321, 93.853, 93.866, 93.867, 93.989.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-06-13.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2018-06-19. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $125,000.00 in funding.
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the "Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21)" opportunity?
This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity that supports early-stage, exploratory, and developmental research on the brain and broader nervous system across the entire lifespan. It is designed to spark innovative and collaborative projects that address questions or challenges that are specifically relevant in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
What is the funding opportunity number for this FOA?
The funding opportunity number is PAR-17-313.
What type of NIH grant mechanism is this?
This opportunity uses the R21 mechanism, which is intended for exploratory or proof-of-concept research rather than large, mature programs of work.
What kinds of research does this FOA support?
The FOA is intentionally broad and allows projects spanning foundational basic science, translational and clinical research, and implementation research. It welcomes studies that test how to deliver or scale effective interventions in real-world settings, especially in LMIC-relevant contexts.
Which conditions or disorder areas are included?
The opportunity explicitly welcomes research on neurological disorders as well as mental, behavioral, alcohol, and substance use disorders, including work that considers how these conditions intersect and how they may be influenced by local context, health systems, and social determinants.
Does the FOA focus on any particular stage of life?
Yes. The opportunity covers the full life course, meaning research can be focused on any age group and can consider how brain and nervous system disorders emerge or change across the lifespan.
What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?
The core goal is to catalyze innovative, collaborative research that matters specifically for LMIC settings, and that can bridge gaps between discovery and real-world impact (for example, improving diagnosis, adapting interventions, or strengthening delivery of care in resource-constrained environments).
Is this FOA intended for large clinical trials or long-term programs?
No. As an R21, it is positioned to support smaller, early-stage projects such as pilots, feasibility studies, proof-of-concept work, early testing of new approaches, and research that generates preliminary data for larger follow-on studies.
What is the award ceiling mentioned for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $125,000, indicating the program is aimed at modestly sized, high-impact exploratory projects rather than extensive multi-site trials.
Does the FOA require international collaboration?
The opportunity emphasizes partnership and collaboration across countries and institutions. It is structured to encourage equitable, cross-border research teams that combine complementary expertise and local knowledge, with the expectation that the work will be relevant to LMIC needs and realities.
Who can apply from the United States or upper-middle-income countries (UMICs)?
Investigators based in the United States or in UMICs may apply in partnership with scientists working in LMIC institutions.
Can UMIC-based investigators apply without a U.S. partner?
Yes. Investigators based in UMIC settings are allowed to partner directly with investigators at LMIC institutions, and they can do so either with or without a U.S. partner.
How does the FOA define LMIC and UMIC?
The FOA uses World Bank income classifications to determine whether a country is categorized as LMIC or UMIC, which matters for collaboration pathways and intended eligibility structures.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. Eligible applicants include government entities (state, county, city, township, special district), independent school districts, public housing authorities, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, other Native American tribal organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses.
Are non-U.S. entities eligible to apply?
Yes. The announcement includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities among eligible applicant types.
Are U.S. territories or possessions included as eligible applicants?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are listed among eligible applicant types.
Does the FOA highlight any specific institution types?
Yes. It highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, and regional organizations.
What kind of grant is this from an administrative perspective?
It is listed as a discretionary grant under NIH.
What broad activity categories are associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity falls under the broad activity categories of environment and health.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this FOA?
The FOA is associated with multiple CFDA numbers: 93.113, 93.121, 93.173, 93.242, 93.321, 93.853, 93.866, 93.867, and 93.989. This reflects relevance across multiple NIH institutes and programs tied to brain, mental health, substance use, and related neuroscience priorities.
When was this FOA created, and what closing date is shown?
The creation date shown is June 13, 2017, and the original closing date shown is June 19, 2018.
What kinds of project outcomes does NIH appear to be looking for?
Based on the description, NIH is looking for early results that can demonstrate feasibility, test novel methods or intervention approaches, build new collaborations, generate preliminary data, or otherwise position teams for more definitive follow-on research that is relevant to LMIC contexts.
Can projects include implementation research?
Yes. The FOA explicitly includes implementation research, including studies that test how to deliver or scale effective interventions in real-world settings.
Is the scientific scope narrow or broad?
It is broad by design. The FOA allows a wide range of topics and approaches, from basic science through clinical and implementation work, as long as the work is relevant to LMIC-specific questions or challenges and fits the R21 exploratory intent.
What does "across the lifespan" imply for proposal focus?
It implies proposals can address brain and nervous system disorders and related mental/behavioral/substance use conditions at any life stage, and can consider developmental, aging, or life-course factors in LMIC-relevant settings.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 17 313) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01) Apply for PAR 17 314 Funding Number: PAR 17 314 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Novel Assays for Screening the Effects of Chemical Toxicants on Cell Differentiation (SBIR R44) Apply for RFA ES 17 007 Funding Number: RFA ES 17 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Organotypic Culture Models developed from Experimental Animals for Chemical Toxicity Screening (R43) Apply for RFA ES 17 008 Funding Number: RFA ES 17 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Population-Based Model Organism Research for G x E Exploration in Complex Disease Outcomes (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 17 009 Funding Number: RFA ES 17 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $499,999 |
| Immuno-Oncology Translational Network (IOTN): Cancer Immunotherapy Research Projects (U01) Apply for RFA CA 17 045 Funding Number: RFA CA 17 045 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Outstanding New Environmental Scientist (ONES) Award (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA ES 18 001 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers (EHS CC) (P30 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA ES 18 003 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transition to Independent Environmental Health Research (TIEHR) Career Transition Award (K01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 261 Funding Number: PAR 18 261 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Transition to Independent Environmental Health Research (TIEHR) Career Transition Award (K01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 291 Funding Number: PAR 18 291 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Role of the Microbiome in the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 18 005 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Revolutionizing Innovative, Visionary Environmental health Research (RIVER) (R35 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 18 004 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| SBIR E-learning for HAZMAT and Emergency Response (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 18 006 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Exposure Analysis Services for the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program (Admin Supp - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 18 783 Funding Number: PA 18 783 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Novel Approaches for Characterizing Exposure and Response to Engineered Nanomaterials (R43 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 18 008 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan: Fogarty International Research Training Award (NCD-LIFESPAN) (D43)(Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 901 Funding Number: PAR 18 901 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Telomeres as Sentinels of Environmental Exposures, Psychosocial Stress, and Disease Susceptibility: A Methods Comparison Study (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA AG 19 023 Funding Number: RFA AG 19 023 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Research Network on Telomeres as Sentinels of Environmental Exposures, Psychosocial Stress, and Disease Susceptibility (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA AG 19 022 Funding Number: RFA AG 19 022 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $345,000 |
| Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource: Data Repository, Analysis and Science Center (U2C Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 18 014 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 014 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $1,700,000 |
| Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource: Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 18 010 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| Human Health Exposure Analysis Resource: UnTargeted Exposure Analysis Laboratories (U2C Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA ES 18 012 Funding Number: RFA ES 18 012 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Environment, Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
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