The Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant Program (R21) supports innovative and exploratory research that falls within the missions of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This program is designed to fund early-stage research that may involve substantial risk but holds the potential for significant breakthroughs in neuroscience. The grants target feasibility studies, novel experimental approaches, and innovative applications of existing methodologies. No clinical trials are allowed under this funding opportunity.

This program provides up to $275,000 in direct costs over a two-year period, with a cap of $200,000 per year. Applications can be submitted for new projects or resubmissions. The earliest submission date is January 16, 2025, and standard NIH deadlines apply, with the first deadline being February 16, 2025. The program anticipates multiple application review cycles and a maximum project period of two years.

Eligible applicants include public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, small businesses, state and local governments, and foreign organizations. Individuals with the requisite skills and knowledge are encouraged to apply in collaboration with their institutions. Applicants are required to adhere to NIH's rigorous application and reporting standards, including preclinical research guidelines, data management, and sharing plans.

NINDS supports projects aligned with its mission to reduce the burden of neurological disease. Researchers are encouraged to consult NINDS program staff for guidance, particularly for projects involving human subjects. NIMH focuses on areas outlined in its strategic plan, with an emphasis on Goal 1 related to understanding brain function and mental illnesses. Applicants targeting NIMH funding should ensure alignment with these goals and are advised to consult NIMH staff before submission.

Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit, emphasizing the significance, innovation, and feasibility of the proposed research, as well as the investigator's qualifications and institutional resources. Projects must demonstrate potential for high impact, even if preliminary data is limited.

Applicants must complete all required registrations, including SAM.gov and eRA Commons, prior to submission. Applications must conform to all instructions in the NIH Application Guide, and incomplete or non-compliant submissions may be rejected without review. For additional support, applicants can contact the NIH helpdesk or the scientific/research contacts at NINDS and NIMH.