The "Basic Neurodevelopmental Biology of Circuits and Behavior" (PAR-22-067) is a funding opportunity provided by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) at the NIH. This grant, using the R21 exploratory/developmental mechanism, invites high-risk, high-reward research proposals focused on understanding the mechanisms and dynamic links between brain circuit maturation and behavior across development in rodents and non-human primates. The main objective is to provide insights into how interactions within and between brain regions change from pre- to post-natal development, ultimately supporting cognitive, affective, and social behaviors. This R21 FOA aims to fund shorter projects that explore emerging concepts in neurodevelopment, while a companion R01 FOA (PAR-22-066) supports longer, more extensive studies within the same research focus.

Eligible projects must investigate neurodevelopmental trajectories using in vivo neural measures in awake, behaving animals, and should focus on brain circuits relevant to mental health. Research objectives include studying the formation, maintenance, and plasticity of these circuits and assessing how developmental trajectories affect behaviors associated with cognitive, emotional, and social functions. Key experimental requirements include the use of either rodents or non-human primates, the inclusion of behavioral and brain measures at a minimum of three developmental stages (ranging from pre-natal to early adulthood), and the application of concurrent behavioral and neural measures to explore specific brain-behavior connections. While preliminary data are not necessary for R21 applications, applicants are encouraged to provide sufficient conceptual justification for their work.

The funding mechanism allows for a maximum two-year project period with a budget limit of $275,000 for direct costs over the project’s duration, with no more than $200,000 permitted in any single year. While NIH awards are contingent upon appropriations and merit-based assessments, this FOA anticipates funding multiple projects, dependent on the quality and quantity of submissions received.

Eligibility for this FOA extends to U.S. and foreign higher education institutions, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government agencies, and other entities such as faith-based or community organizations. Both new applications and resubmissions are accepted. Additionally, applicants must ensure compliance with NIH policies, including those regarding humane animal research and data management and sharing. All required registrations in DUNS, SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov must be completed prior to submission.

Applications will be evaluated based on criteria emphasizing significance, investigator expertise, innovation, methodological approach, and environmental support. Reviewers will assess the proposed study’s impact on advancing neurodevelopmental biology related to mental health and the rigor of the approach, especially regarding the relevance of chosen species, developmental stages, and the integration of behavioral and neural data. Additional review considerations include compliance with animal welfare regulations and adherence to NIH data sharing policies.

Applications are due at NIH standard submission dates, with deadlines continuing through October 16, 2024, and applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute submission issues. Interested applicants may direct scientific or administrative queries to NIH contacts listed in the FOA, including contacts for application submission and eRA Commons assistance.