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HCN Grants Est. 2026
No. PAR-25-291 · National Institutes of Health
Open

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

Dealbreakers No cost share required Audit: not stated Reimbursement-only: not stated

At a glance

This program funds research using invasive neural recording and stimulation in humans to study the brain circuitry of mental health disorders, with a focus on questions that could inform future treatments. Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations, including nonprofits, colleges and universities, governments, small businesses, faith-based and community organizations, and foreign organizations. The award is an R21 grant with a combined direct-cost budget of up to $275,000 for 2 years, with no more than $200,000 in any single year. No cost sharing is required, and foreign organizations and foreign components are allowed.

AI-generated summary — verify against the announcement

What it funds

  • Health
  • Research & Discovery
  • Researchers & Scholars
  • Biomedical & Disease Research
  • Mental & Behavioral Health
Official description from grants.gov

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.

Who can apply

  • City or township governments
  • County governments
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • Independent school districts
  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
  • Others
  • Private institutions of higher education
  • Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
  • Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
  • Small businesses
  • Special district governments
  • State governments
Geographic restriction None found in the announcement — likely nationwide