Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 21 319

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 319

The Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) opportunity (PAR-21-319) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) exploratory and developmental grant program designed to spark new, innovative research collaborations focused on brain and broader nervous system function, development, and disorders across all stages of life. The central theme is global relevance, with a clear emphasis on research questions that matter in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the burden of neurological, mental, behavioral, alcohol, and substance use disorders is often high and where research infrastructure and funding can be limited. As an R21 mechanism, it is geared toward early-stage, high-potential ideas, feasibility testing, and proof-of-concept work that can later grow into larger, more comprehensive research programs.

The scope is intentionally broad and can include projects anywhere along the research pipeline, from basic and mechanistic science through clinical, public health, and implementation research. Applicants can propose studies on nervous system development and impairment across the lifespan, which allows for work centered on early childhood and neurodevelopment, adolescent mental health and substance use risk, adult neurological and psychiatric disorders, and aging-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. The FOA supports research that could ultimately contribute to better diagnostics, prevention strategies, treatments, and practical implementation approaches that fit real-world LMIC settings. Because the announcement is “clinical trial optional,” a project may include a clinical trial if it is appropriate for the aims, but a clinical trial is not required, allowing teams to pursue non-trial studies such as observational, methodological, mechanistic, or implementation-focused work.

A defining feature of the program is its collaborative structure and its emphasis on building sustainable research capacity in LMICs. Investigators based in the United States or in upper-middle income countries (UMICs) are eligible to partner with scientists at LMIC institutions, and scientists in UMICs are also allowed to partner directly with other LMIC institutions, with or without a U.S. collaborator. The program relies on World Bank country income classifications to define LMIC and UMIC categories, ensuring consistency in eligibility determinations. Beyond the specific research results, NIH signals that it values projects that help create longer-term research ecosystems, including durable partnerships, research networking, and evidence that can inform policy and health system decision-making in participating countries.

Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types commonly able to hold NIH awards. Eligible applicants listed include various levels of government (state, county, city/township, special districts), independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private higher education institutions, tribal governments (federally recognized) and other tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses, along with an “other” category. The announcement also explicitly calls out additional eligible groups such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), 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, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). In practice, this wide eligibility supports the program’s global and partnership-driven goals by allowing a range of academic, clinical, community, governmental, and regional institutions to participate.

Administratively, this is a discretionary grant opportunity under NIH, categorized in the broad federal activity area of environment, health, income security, and social services. The CFDA/assistance listing numbers associated with the FOA include 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 domains. The opportunity record notes an original closing date of 2023-12-11 and a creation date of 2021-09-13; prospective applicants would typically confirm the current status, due dates, and any reissued versions of the announcement via NIH and grants.gov postings, since NIH opportunities are often offered as recurring submission cycles or updated FOAs.

Overall, the FOA is best understood as a launchpad: it supports early, innovative projects that can generate the preliminary data, partnerships, and locally grounded evidence needed to build longer-term research programs addressing brain and nervous system disorders in LMIC contexts. The expected payoff is not only scientific insight, but also stronger LMIC research capacity and more actionable pathways toward prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and implementation strategies that can work at scale in diverse global settings.

• 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 2021-09-13.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-12-11. (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 21 319

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