NINDS Faculty Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research (K01 Clinical Trial Required) | PAR 21 153

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 153

The NINDS Faculty Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research (K01 Clinical Trial Required), PAR-21-153, is a National Institutes of Health career development grant aimed at expanding and diversifying the pipeline of independent neuroscience investigators. It focuses on supporting junior faculty from backgrounds that are underrepresented in biomedical research by providing a structured package of resources that typically includes salary support for protected research time, research-related costs, and a mentored career development plan designed to help the awardee transition to research independence in neuroscience.

Eligibility is centered on early-career faculty who already hold a doctoral research degree (Ph.D. or an equivalent research doctorate) and who are in the first three years of a tenure-track faculty appointment or an equivalent position at the time they apply. The program is explicitly intended to help these investigators build an independent research direction while also strengthening their professional development through mentorship that matches their career stage and scientific goals. While the award is meant to support the individual investigator, it is administered through an eligible U.S.-based applicant organization.

A defining feature of this particular K01 announcement is that it is for applicants who will lead a clinical trial as part of their research and career development activities. The FOA is specifically for candidates proposing to serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or a separate ancillary study linked to an existing clinical trial. NINDS limits submissions under this announcement to human mechanistic trials or studies that meet the NIH definition of a clinical trial and that fit within NINDS research priorities. Because human subjects and clinical trial requirements can be complex and can affect which NIH funding mechanism is appropriate, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with NINDS program staff before submitting an application, particularly if human subjects are involved.

The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health area (CFDA 93.853) and is open to a broad range of domestic applicant organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; independent school districts; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) as well as small businesses; and other qualifying entities. The announcement also highlights certain institution types that may apply, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), along with faith-based or community-based organizations and eligible federal agencies.

At the same time, there are clear restrictions related to foreign involvement. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, and foreign components, as defined by the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed under this FOA. The listing shows an original closing date of 2024-05-07 and a creation date of 2021-04-08. Award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided source information, so applicants would need to consult the full FOA and NIH budget guidance for the most current funding parameters and allowable costs.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NINDS Faculty Development Award to Promote Diversity in Neuroscience Research (K01 Clinical Trial Required)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.853.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-04-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-05-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 21 153

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