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NIH Research Project Grant

Discovery of in vivo Chemical Probes for the Nervous System

Funds optimizing an already-validated hit compound into an in vivo chemical probe for a novel brain target.

A chemical probe is not a drug, it is a tool that lets researchers see whether hitting a specific brain target actually does anything in a living system. This notice funds building that tool, for targets nobody has probed before.

It is not a starting-from-scratch award. Applicants are expected to already have, in hand, validated hit compounds ready for chemical optimisation, plus the bioassays ne

Chemical optimisation of an existing validated hit compound into an in vivo chemical probe for a novel brain target, and discovery or validation of novel biological targets informing brain disease mechanism studies, relevant to the missions of the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Eye Institute and National Institute on Aging. A clinical trial is not allowed.

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.5 Mar 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-27-081Source: www.grants.gov