New Approaches for Measuring Brain Changes Across Longer Timespans (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers studying brain changes over extended periods using new measurement approaches. Academic institutions, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations can apply. The R21 mechanism allows clinical trial data as an optional component. U.S. and foreign institutions with NIH-eligible status qualify. Priority focuses on novel methodologies for longitudinal brain imaging or assessment. International collaborators may participate if the lead institution is U.S.-based and NIH-eligible.
The grant supports exploratory and developmental research projects. Small grants encourage innovative approaches that are preliminary but scientifically sound. You must propose new methodologies or applications, not incremental improvements to existing studies.
This grant is for researchers studying brain changes over extended periods using new measurement approaches. Academic institutions, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations can apply. The R21 mechanism allows clinical trial data as an optional component. U.S. and foreign institutions with NIH-eligible status qualify. Priority focuses on novel methodologies for longitudinal brain imaging or assessment. International collaborators may participate if the lead institution is U.S.-based and NIH-eligible.
The grant supports exploratory and developmental research projects. Small grants encourage innovative approaches that are preliminary but scientifically sound. You must propose new methodologies or applications, not incremental improvements to existing studies.
Program description
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to encourage multidisciplinary investigators to submit applications developing exploratory, highly novel new approaches, or innovative applications of existing approaches to measure brain activity, connectivity, genomics, or other aspects across the age spectrum of neurodevelopment. The overarching goal is to extend our understanding of brain development and aging, including studies of the neurodevelopmental origins of later health and disease, by improving repeated measures across longer epochs of the lifespan to better predict outcomes at later ages. . Research can include healthy human participants of any age, specific clinical groups such those with cognitive, motor, or affective regulation challenges, and/or animal research on these domains of function. The studies can focus on longitudinal neuroanatomical or functional changes at any level, including genetics/genomics, single cells, connectomics, neural population activity patterns, and others. This funding opportunity is intended to encourage technological and conceptual innovation through this high risk, high reward funding mechanism to develop highly innovative ideas that either lack preliminary data or need additional preliminary data
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for researchers studying brain changes over extended periods using new measurement approaches. Academic institutions, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations can apply. The R21 mechanism allows clinical trial data as an optional component. U.S. and foreign institutions with NIH-eligible status qualify. Priority focuses on novel methodologies for longitudinal brain imaging or assessment. International collaborators may participate if the lead institution is U.S.-based and NIH-eligible.
The grant supports exploratory and developmental research projects. Small grants encourage innovative approaches that are preliminary but scientifically sound. You must propose new methodologies or applications, not incremental improvements to existing studies.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application Form
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Biographical Sketches (PIs and key personnel)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Facilities and Resources
- Letters of Support (if applicable)
- Vertebrate Animals or Human Subjects sections (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.866 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$463,372,200
-
$172,327,224
-
$115,145,694
-
$99,649,073
-
$93,275,174
-
$78,657,309
-
$75,825,492
-
$75,398,895
-
$70,985,470
-
$64,812,576
Top States by Funding
- MI 2 awards $511.9M
- CA 8 awards $511.1M
- MO 8 awards $437.0M
- IN 4 awards $303.9M
- PA 6 awards $298.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.866). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $3,746,886,731 | |
| 2025 | $3,777,464,644 | |
| 2026 est. | $261,814,471 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this R21 grant?
U.S. and foreign institutions with NIH eligibility can apply. Principal investigators must have an active U.S. institutional affiliation. Individuals without institutional status are generally not eligible.
What projects does this grant fund?
Exploratory projects testing new approaches to measure brain changes over time. Clinical trial inclusion is optional but allowed. Projects should be innovative and novel, not extensions of ongoing work.
What is the typical timeline for R21 awards?
R21 funding typically supports projects for 2 years. Awards are not automatically renewable. You may apply again after project completion.
How competitive is this funding?
R21 grants are moderately competitive. Success rates are generally 15-25% for NIH programs. Strong preliminary data and clear innovation improve your chances.
What is the expected funding range?
R21 awards typically provide $150,000-$275,000 total costs over 2 years. Budget caps vary by institute. Check the specific RFP for exact limits.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize methodological novelty, not just new applications of existing tools. Show what makes your approach genuinely innovative.
- Include preliminary data or strong evidence that your approach is feasible. Reviewers expect proof-of-concept, even if limited.
- Keep project scope focused on the 2-year award period. R21 is for exploratory work, not multi-year comprehensive studies.
- Clearly articulate why existing measurement approaches fall short. Explain how your method addresses a real gap.
- Build in validation or feasibility checkpoints. Show measurable milestones that demonstrate progress toward your aims.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing incremental improvements instead of novel methodology. Scope too large for a 2-year exploratory award. Insufficient preliminary data or feasibility evidence.
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