The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to encourage applications to pursue invasive neural recording studies focused on mental health-relevant questions. Invasive neural recordings provide an unparalleled window into the human brain to explore the neural circuitry and neural dynamics underlying complex moods, emotions, cognitive functions, and behaviors with high spatial and temporal resolution. Additionally, the ability to stimulate, via the same electrodes, allows for direct causal tests by modulating network dynamics. This funding opportunity aims to target a gap in the scientific knowledge of neural circuit function related to mental health disorders. Researchers should target specific questions suited to invasive recording modalities that have high translational potential. Development of new technologies and therapies are outside the scope of this NOFO.

PAR-25-290: Utilizing Invasive Recording and Stimulating Opportunities in Humans to Advance Neural Circuitry Understanding of Mental Health Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

Posted Date: November 22, 2024 Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): January 05, 2025 Expiration Date: January 08, 2028

This funding opportunity was updated to align with agency priorities. Carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustments to your application prior to submission.

Part 1. Overview Information

Participating Organization(s): National Institutes of Health (NIH) Components of Participating Organizations: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Funding Opportunity Title: Utilizing Invasive Recording and Stimulating Opportunities in Humans to Advance Neural Circuitry Understanding of Mental Health Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Activity Code: R01 Research Project Grant Announcement Type: Reissue of PAR-23-093

Related Notices:

• March 31, 2025: This funding opportunity was updated to align with agency priorities. Carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustments to your application prior to submission.
• April 4, 2024: Overview of Grant Application and Review Changes for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025. See Notice NOT-OD-24-084.
• August 31, 2022: Implementation Changes for Genomic Data Sharing Plans Included with Applications Due on or after January 25, 2023. See Notice NOT-OD-22-198.
• August 5, 2022: Implementation Details for the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy. See Notice NOT-OD-22-189.

Funding Opportunity Number (FON): PAR-25-290 Companion Funding Opportunity: PAR-25-291, R21 Exploratory/Developmental Grants Number of Applications: See Section III. 3. Additional Information on Eligibility. Assistance Listing Number(s): 93.242

Funding Opportunity Purpose: The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to encourage applications to pursue invasive neural recording studies focused on mental health-relevant questions. Invasive neural recordings provide an unparalleled window into the human brain to explore the neural circuitry and neural dynamics underlying complex moods, emotions, cognitive functions, and behaviors with high spatial and temporal resolution. Additionally, the ability to stimulate, via the same electrodes, allows for direct causal tests by modulating network dynamics. This NOFO aims to target a gap in the scientific knowledge of neural circuit function related to mental health disorders. Researchers should target specific questions suited to invasive recording modalities that have high translational potential. Intervention-development clinical trials of therapeutic devices are outside the scope of this NOFO, though development of novel tools/methods to enable relevant mental health studies is encouraged.

This NOFO uses the R01 grant mechanism, encouraging longer-term projects, whereas its companion R21 NOFO, PAR-25-291, seeks grant applications encouraging shorter, higher-risk studies with little (or no) preliminary data.

Funding Opportunity Goal(s): The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.

Key Dates:

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