PAR-25-077
CCRP Initiative: NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Basic Research on Chemical Threats that Affect the Nervous System (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Summary
CCRP Initiative: NIH CounterACT Basic Research on Chemical Threats Affecting the Nervous System
Research Focus
This program supports basic research to elucidate mechanisms of toxicity and pathology from chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals designated as Chemicals of Concern (CoC) that have primary or secondary effects on the nervous system. The research aims to generate fundamental knowledge about how these agents damage neural tissue and identify new molecular targets for development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) effective in civilian mass exposure scenarios. Supported research includes mechanistic studies using in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models; identification of biological markers and signaling pathways; natural history studies; and investigation of long-term neurological effects following acute single exposures. Priority toxidromes include anticoagulants, blood/metabolic agents (e.g., cyanide, hydrogen sulfide, arsine), cholinergic agents (organophosphate nerve agents and insecticides), and convulsants. Research addressing refractory status epilepticus, neurodegeneration, neurodevelopmental effects, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and altered neural circuitry following chemical exposure is encouraged. Applications must demonstrate rigorous data supporting the relevance of proposed mechanistic pathways to chemical toxicity.
At a Glance
- Who can apply: U.S. institutions; investigators new to the chemical threats field are encouraged
- Funding & project length: Not stated (consult R01 standard amounts); typical NIH R01 duration is 3–5 years
- Award mechanism: R01 Research Project Grant; clinical trials not allowed
- Key dates: Open September 17, 2025; due October 16, 2025 and October 16, 2026; earliest start July 2026 or July 2027
- Best fit for: Neuroscience, toxicology, pharmacology, and neurobiology researchers studying acute neurological effects of chemical threats; requires institutional biosafety certification for hazardous agents
Key Facts
Deadline
Fri, October 16, 2026
Posted
Fri, November 1, 2024
Award / Year (direct costs)
$250,000
Max Total
$1,250,000
Max Duration
5 years
Expected Awards
4
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (5)
Applications must include a letter from institutional biosafety officials certifying that studies are safe for research personnel and the environment; special biosafety certifications may be required
95%
Source Text
“All applications must include a letter from appropriate institutional biosafety officials indicating that studies are deemed safe for research personnel and the environment (See letters of support in Section IV). Special biosafety certifications may be required to conduct research with some chemical threat agents, e.g., chemical warfare agents. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to collaborate with laboratories and contract research facilities that are already certified to work with restricted”
Research must address immediate and/or long-term neurological effects following a single acute toxic exposure event; chronic exposure research is explicitly not supported, which may disqualify applica
98%
Source Text
“In all cases, the proposed research must address immediate and/or long-term neurological effects following a single acute toxic exposure event. Research on toxic effects due to chronic exposures, e.g., environmental, occupational, or residential, will not be supported.”
Only chemicals on the DHS Chemicals of Concern (CoC) list are eligible; chemicals with primary effects on pulmonary system, skin, eyes, or opioid chemical threats are explicitly excluded.
98%
Source Text
“Applications that propose to study chemicals that are not on the DHS CoC list or applications that propose to study CoC that have primary effects on the pulmonary system, skin, and eyes, or on opioid chemical threats”
Principal Investigators will be expected to participate in annual meetings of the NIH CounterACT Network; this is a post-award obligation that may require travel and time commitment.
92%
Source Text
“Recipients of this initiative will become part of the NIH CounterACT Research Program Network; Principal Investigators will be expected to participate in annual meetings of the NIH CounterACT Network to share information and ideas.”
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Scientific/Research contacts to confirm that their proposed chemical threat(s) is of interest to the program before submitting; this suggests pre-submissi
88%
Source Text
“Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Scientific/Research contacts provided in this NOFO to confirm that the proposed chemical threat(s) is of interest to the program.”