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NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

New Approaches for Measuring Brain Changes Across Longer Timespans (R21)

Funds highly novel approaches to measuring brain activity, connectivity or genomics repeatedly across the lifespan, on an exploratory footing.

Brains change over decades and almost every measurement technique is designed for an afternoon. That mismatch is what this notice attacks.

What is wanted is new approaches, or innovative applications of existing approaches, to measuring brain activity, connectivity, genomics or other aspects across the whole age span of neurodevelopment. The goal is repeated measures across longer epochs of the l

Novel approaches, or innovative applications of existing approaches, to measuring brain activity, connectivity, genomics and other aspects across the age spectrum of neurodevelopment, improving repeated measures across longer epochs of the lifespan to predict later outcomes, in healthy humans of any age, clinical groups with cognitive, motor or affective regulation challenges, or animals, at levels including genomics, single cells, connectomics and neural population activity. Clinical trials are optional.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.7 May 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-25-272Source: www.grants.gov