Research Program Award (R35 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for research scientists pursuing independent investigations in neuroscience and related fields supported by NINDS. Eligible applicants are typically researchers at institutions with research capabilities—including universities, medical schools, and research institutes. Projects must align with the NINDS mission; research in other NIH areas will not be considered. The R35 mechanism supports established or emerging investigators seeking longer-term funding to pursue ambitious, flexible research goals.
Key dates
- Sep 23, 2025 Applications open
- Jul 15, 2026 Application deadline in 44 days
- Mar 1, 2027 Award announced
- Mar 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for research scientists pursuing independent investigations in neuroscience and related fields supported by NINDS. Eligible applicants are typically researchers at institutions with research capabilities—including universities, medical schools, and research institutes. Projects must align with the NINDS mission; research in other NIH areas will not be considered. The R35 mechanism supports established or emerging investigators seeking longer-term funding to pursue ambitious, flexible research goals.
Program description
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to provide longer-term support, and increased freedom and flexibility, to Program Directors (PDs)/Principal Investigators (PIs), to allow them to redirect their time away from the administrative burden of writing and managing multiple grant applications and towards engaging in the lab. This Research Program Award (RPA) affords investigators at most career stages the opportunity to advance their long-term research goals, rigorously explore exciting research opportunities, and mentor students and postdoctorates, which support and align with the mission of NINDS. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the R35 activity code. This funding stability will provide eligible investigators increased security, allowing them to undertake research projects that require a longer timeframe or to embark upon research that breaks new ground. Research activities outside the NINDS mission, or traditionally supported by another NIH Institute or Center, will not be considered through this program.
Benefits of the RPA include:
- A more stable funding environment, facilitating the pursuit of longer-term research goals;
- Flexible funding, enabling investigators to pursue research opportunities as they arise, not tied to specific aims;
- Reduced time spent writing grant applications and managing multiple grant awards, allowing investigators to spend more time conducting and overseeing research;
- More time for PDs/PIs to mentor the biomedical workforce.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Hospital
- 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 research scientists pursuing independent investigations in neuroscience and related fields supported by NINDS. Eligible applicants are typically researchers at institutions with research capabilities—including universities, medical schools, and research institutes. Projects must align with the NINDS mission; research in other NIH areas will not be considered. The R35 mechanism supports established or emerging investigators seeking longer-term funding to pursue ambitious, flexible research goals.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Form
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketch (PI and Key Personnel)
- Facilities and Resources
- Letters of Support (institutional and collaborative)
- Other Support (Current and Pending Support)
Program contact
- 👤 Alisa Schaefer
- 📧 nindsr35@ninds.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via email
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.853 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$82,511,281
-
$67,362,785
-
$62,646,087
-
$56,144,651
-
$45,268,737
-
$40,959,789
-
$35,655,349
-
$35,655,116
-
$35,335,145
-
$34,183,297
Top States by Funding
- MA 6 awards $186.5M
- CA 4 awards $129.9M
- OH 4 awards $112.5M
- FL 3 awards $100.3M
- MN 2 awards $99.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.853). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,362,835,459 | |
| 2025 | $2,345,500,401 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Typically researchers at academic institutions, medical centers, and research organizations with established research programs. Your institution must have appropriate research infrastructure and compliance capabilities.
What is the main advantage of the R35 compared to traditional NIH grants?
The R35 provides longer-term funding stability and flexibility to redirect your research focus without writing new grant applications for each specific aim.
Does my project need to be preliminary or established?
The program supports investigators at most career stages, from emerging researchers to established PIs. Preliminary data strengthens competitiveness.
What happens if my research direction changes during the award period?
That is the benefit of the R35—you have flexibility to pursue emerging opportunities without needing approval for each change, as long as work aligns with NINDS mission.
When should I start developing my application?
Begin now. The notice indicates applications are not yet being solicited, so use this time to develop collaborations and prepare your research narrative.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building your application well in advance. The July 2026 deadline gives you planning time to develop strong preliminary data and collaborations.
- Clearly articulate how your research aligns with NINDS mission areas—neurology, stroke, neurological disorders, and related neuroscience topics.
- Emphasize the long-term vision and ambitious scope of your research program, not individual short-term projects.
- Detail your mentoring plans and commitment to workforce development; this is a core program value.
- Show institutional support and access to necessary research infrastructure, facilities, and administrative resources.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications are rejected when research falls outside NINDS mission or belongs under another NIH institute. Proposals lacking a coherent long-term research vision and instead resembling a collection of small projects are less competitive. Weak or missing mentoring plans and workforce development statements reduce chances of funding.
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