The "NINDS Sustainable Transformation of Institutional Research Rigor (STIRR) Program" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-NS-25-019) by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is designed to enhance research rigor and transparency practices within academic and research institutions. The program encourages institutional-level cultural transformation to promote high-quality neuroscience research by funding innovative programs, strategies, and approaches. This funding initiative seeks to address the current gap in practices and incentives that often do not align with rigorous and transparent research, impacting the replicability and reliability of scientific findings. The program aims to fund initiatives that will become models for other institutions, ultimately enhancing the integrity of the broader scientific community.

Institutions can apply to implement department or entity-wide programs that integrate best practices, introduce new standards, or offer resources to encourage rigorous research design, transparent reporting, and minimized biases. Eligible activities may include recognition programs for rigorous research, hiring specialized personnel (e.g., statisticians or data managers), developing infrastructure like electronic lab notebooks, restructuring promotion criteria to emphasize research quality, and creating educational programs focused on research rigor. Proposed activities should impact multiple labs or departments, advancing the institution's capability to sustain and expand on improvements in rigor and transparency.

Applications are expected to describe the program's structure, key activities, and strategies for achieving sustained cultural change. Evaluation criteria for this opportunity include the potential to create measurable change, scalability, and the ability to disseminate best practices to other institutions. Metrics for success, dissemination plans, and a commitment to long-term sustainability are critical components. The initiative encourages applications that are scalable and adaptable for other institutions, promoting a collective uplift in neuroscience research standards.

The program will fund up to five awards annually, with a total budget of $3.5 million in direct costs, supporting projects that require between $150,000 to $800,000 per year, over a maximum project period of three years. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, government entities, nonprofits, and certain for-profit organizations, provided they meet NIH's registration requirements (e.g., SAM, Grants.gov). Applications are due by October 17, 2025, with anticipated review and funding in mid-2026.

Institutions intending to apply should submit a letter of intent at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. Applications must be complete and follow NIH submission guidelines, including adherence to updated FORMS-I and specific instructions on budgeting, project design, and personnel requirements. Successful programs will demonstrate the capacity to achieve enduring improvements in research practices, ensuring that the funded projects benefit not only the applicant entity but also contribute insights for wider scientific application.