Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced the "Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan" funding opportunity (FOA PAR-22-097), which encourages collaborative research to address brain and nervous system disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This R01 grant program supports research across basic, clinical, and implementation science, targeting neurological, neuromuscular, cognitive, sensory, and neurodevelopmental disorders relevant to LMIC contexts. The goal is to foster sustainable neuro-health research capacity in LMICs, where disease burden related to neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, often compounded by poverty and limited healthcare access, is substantial. U.S. or upper middle-income country (UMIC) researchers must collaborate with LMIC institutions, or LMIC institutions may partner directly. Proposals should align with NIH’s mission areas in neuro-health and address the specific research interests of participating institutes, excluding the Fogarty International Center (FIC).

The FOA emphasizes understanding and mitigating the impact of brain and nervous system disorders on vulnerable populations and stresses the importance of innovative and culturally adaptable research methods. Studies may focus on lifespan-related neuro-health issues, including early life developmental disorders, neurological impairments from environmental toxins, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Research areas include diagnostics, interventions, prevention strategies, and implementation science to improve neuro-health outcomes across LMICs. Additional research topics include sex and gender impacts, genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, mental health disorders, and the effects of social and structural factors. Examples of specific disorders and conditions of interest are autism, cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental impacts of infectious diseases, neurotoxicity, epilepsy, and mental health disorders influenced by sociocultural contexts.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, local governments, and other entities, including foreign institutions in LMICs. Proposals must demonstrate established partnerships and collaborative history with LMIC institutions. UMIC institutions can apply with either LMIC or U.S. partners, and there must be clear plans for capacity-building and research sustainability within LMICs. Applicant institutions must meet registration requirements in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov. Funding limits are not specified, but budgets should reflect project needs, with a maximum project period of five years. Applicants are encouraged to contact NIH representatives to confirm alignment with NIH priorities and to submit a letter of intent.

The application deadline is November 15 each year through 2024, with annual award cycles. Applications must follow guidelines in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, adhering to NIH’s rigorous submission and compliance requirements. Proposals must prioritize capacity-building, allocating at least 51% of direct costs for activities at LMIC sites, and include plans for yearly networking meetings. The submission should include an outline of research and capacity-building strategies, detailed project aims, and a strong collaborative framework among LMIC and U.S. or UMIC institutions.

Applications will be reviewed for overall impact, focusing on significance, investigator expertise, innovation, approach, and the research environment. For clinical trials, additional criteria include study design, recruitment strategies, and ethical considerations. The review process considers the capacity to enhance LMIC research infrastructure and the likelihood of producing sustainable and scalable neuro-health improvements. NIH anticipates making funding decisions based on scientific merit, program priorities, and available funds.