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Closed on May 7, 2026

Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity number PA-25-150

Details summarized from the official notice as of May 8, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

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This opportunity is closed as of May 7, 2026. It is kept here for reference. See the related open opportunities below, or check the official listing in case the agency posts a new cycle.

Key facts

Opportunity numberPA-25-150
AgencyNational Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)93.242, 93.853
PostedJan 8, 2025
DeadlineMay 7, 2026
Cost sharing or matching requiredNo
Funding typeGrant
CategoryHealth
Last updated hereMay 8, 2026

Summary from the notice

The Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant program supports exploratory and innovative research projects, which fall within the missions of the NINDS and NIMH. Awards will provide support for the early and conceptual stages of projects. These studies often assess the feasibility of a novel avenue of investigation and involve considerable risk, but have the potential to bring about breakthroughs in the understanding of important areas of neuroscience, or to the development of novel techniques, agents, methodologies, or models, of high value to the neuroscience community. While this funding opportunity also accepts clinical trials, only applications proposing mechanistic clinical trials or studies or basic experimental studies with humans (BESH) will be considered for funding. For information on the types of clinical trial that are within scope of this funding opportunity announcement, refer to Funding Opportunity Description, below.

Who can apply

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

  • Public and state colleges and universities
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Special district governments
  • Small businesses
  • Independent school districts
  • Public and Indian housing authorities
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • State governments
  • County governments
  • City or township governments
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Private colleges and universities
  • Other Native American tribal organizations
  • Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)

Who should take a closer look

  • Small businesses
  • Nonprofits
  • Colleges and universities
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Larger for-profit companies

Not listed as eligible

  • Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

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.

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

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