Schizophrenia and related disorders during mid- to late-life (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers investigating schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders in mid- to late-life populations. Eligible applicants include domestic and foreign institutions with active 501(c)(3) status or equivalent research capacity, including universities, medical schools, teaching hospitals, and independent research institutes. Principal Investigators must hold an M.D., Ph.D., D.O., or equivalent research doctorate and have appropriate institutional affiliation. The R01 mechanism supports original, independent research projects and can include clinical trials as an optional component. Applicants must demonstrate institutional support, adequate facilities, and commitment to responsible conduct of research. Grant activities may be conducted domestically or internationally, though NIH policy requires domestic applicants and institutions receiving federal funding.
Program description
Although the majority living with schizophrenia and related disorders are over 35 years old, including those first diagnosed and those aging with the illness, the mechanisms underlying the generation and trajectory of the illness remain poorly understood. The purpose of this initiative is to advance translational research to better understand the emergence and trajectory of schizophrenia and related disorders in mid to late life, and to identity targets for future development of prevention and treatment efforts.
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
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative (specific aims, research design, methods, significance)
- Budget and Budget Justification (detailed narrative for all direct costs)
- Biographical Sketch of PI and key personnel (NIH format, limited to 5 pages)
- Facilities and Administrative Resources description
- Letters of Support from collaborators and institutional sponsors
- Research Strategy (background, preliminary studies, research design, timeline)
- Protection of Human Subjects documentation (IRB approval or exemption if applicable)
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
- Responsible Conduct of Research training documentation
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.242 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$75,056,208
-
$74,756,329
-
$72,845,834
-
$64,705,159
-
$63,991,707
-
$54,214,022
-
$38,895,082
-
$38,475,557
-
$34,635,977
-
$34,475,710
Top States by Funding
- CA 15 awards $408.1M
- MA 9 awards $230.4M
- NY 6 awards $184.2M
- WA 4 awards $174.9M
- CT 3 awards $138.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.242). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,722,300,004 | |
| 2025 | $1,726,864,191 | |
| 2026 est. | $99,221,272 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Domestic and foreign institutions including universities, medical centers, research institutes, and other organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent research authority. PIs must hold an M.D., Ph.D., D.O., or equivalent research doctorate.
What types of research activities are supported?
Original, independent research addressing schizophrenia and related disorders in mid- to late-life populations. Clinical trials are optional but allowable. Studies may be mechanistic, clinical, translational, or behavioral in nature.
When is the application deadline?
The fixed deadline is September 7, 2026. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on this date through NIH's electronic submission system (ASSIST).
How competitive is this funding opportunity?
R01 grants are highly competitive. Success rates typically range from 15-25% depending on the specific study section and payline. Preliminary data and a clear innovation statement are critical.
What is the typical funding range?
R01 grants typically provide $250,000-$500,000 per year in direct costs. Budget requests should align with project scope. Total project period is typically 3-5 years.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Develop a strong Specific Aims section that clearly articulates the unmet need in mid- to late-life schizophrenia research and your novel approach to addressing it. This section is often reviewed first and sets the tone for your entire proposal.
- Include substantial preliminary data demonstrating feasibility and supporting your hypothesis. Reviewers expect strong proof-of-concept, particularly for clinical trials or novel methodologies.
- Clearly explain the innovation and significance of your work. Show how your research advances the field beyond existing knowledge and why now is the critical time to pursue this investigation.
- Build a collaborative team with demonstrated expertise in schizophrenia research, geriatric populations, and/or relevant clinical trial methodologies. Include letters of support from collaborators and institutional commitments.
- Plan your budget carefully and justify every expense. Include detailed budget justification, particularly for clinical trial-related costs if applicable. Ensure alignment between your aims, timeline, and requested resources.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications frequently lack adequate preliminary data or strong feasibility evidence, particularly when clinical trials are proposed. Reviewers also commonly find that applications fail to adequately address the unique challenges and characteristics of mid- to late-life populations, treating this as secondary to general schizophrenia research rather than a distinct scientific focus. Weak innovation statements or insufficient justification for why the proposed approach is superior to existing methods are also frequent reasons for rejection.
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