The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) offers the Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award (R37) Extension Request to support ongoing projects for NINDS-funded Javits award recipients. This award is designed to extend grant support for up to seven years in two segments: an initial four-year phase and a second three-year phase. This announcement pertains specifically to recipients who have completed the first phase and are requesting an additional three-year extension to continue their work. The extension aims to support researchers who have demonstrated exceptional productivity and impactful contributions in neuroscience.

Applicants are required to follow NIH submission guidelines, as detailed in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, while adhering to specific requirements outlined in this FOA. Applications must be submitted through the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or an approved institutional system-to-system solution. Importantly, applications for the Javits extension must be submitted no later than sixty days before the initial grant period ends. While this FOA is open to applications involving clinical trials, proposed changes to human subjects or clinical trial designations of the initial award are not allowed in the extension request.

To be eligible, applicants must hold an active NINDS R37 award and propose research that can be completed within the three-year extension period. Eligible institutions include public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and governmental entities. Both domestic and foreign institutions are eligible. Key application components include a two-page progress report summary and a one-page research plan for the extension period, specifying how it aligns with and extends the original aims of the grant. No changes to the core project scope are allowed unless they directly advance the original project’s objectives.

Applications are administratively reviewed rather than undergoing peer review. The primary evaluation criterion is the extent to which the proposed research progress aligns with the original award’s objectives, as well as the justification for extending the project. NINDS staff will also review the human subjects protections, inclusion of women and minorities, and use of vertebrate animals, as applicable. Administrative evaluations will focus on the feasibility and alignment of the research plan with the parent award’s goals and compliance with NIH policies.

Award budgets will follow the guidelines of the current Notice of Award, and any questions regarding budget caps should be directed to the NINDS Grants Management Specialist assigned to the original award. Extensions are provided in modular or categorical format, as outlined in the Notice of Award, and funding will be based on NIH appropriations and the availability of sufficient meritorious applications. Awardees are also required to submit annual progress reports (RPPR) and financial statements, following the NIH Grants Policy Statement for compliance.

Successful applicants will receive a formal Notice of Award (NoA), which will outline any specific conditions and funding restrictions. All awards must adhere to NIH and federal policies, including those on civil rights, data and safety monitoring for clinical trials, and ethics. Institutions must also ensure accessibility for individuals with limited English proficiency and disabilities, upholding an environment free of harassment. For projects involving clinical trials, registration and results reporting on ClinicalTrials.gov is mandatory.

This FOA remains active until September 16, 2025. The extension period begins only after the completion of the initial grant phase, allowing recipients to continue impactful research in neuroscience, ultimately contributing to advancements in understanding neurological disorders and improving public health outcomes.