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

US · MD National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant open #PAR-25-272
Response due May 07, 2027 · 00:00 UTC

Summary

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is soliciting R21 exploratory/developmental research grant applications focused on novel methods for measuring brain changes over extended time periods. The opportunity is open to clinical trial optional designs, meaning applicants may or may not include a clinical trial component. This is a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) rather than a traditional procurement contract, targeting researchers developing innovative neuroimaging or brain measurement approaches. The opportunity has a multi-year open window, running from late 2024 through May 2027.

What they want

Applicants must propose new approaches, methods, or technologies for measuring brain changes across longer timespans. Research may optionally include a clinical trial component. The R21 mechanism supports exploratory and developmental research projects, typically limited in scope and duration, intended to explore innovative ideas or novel approaches that could advance a field. Funded projects are expected to yield preliminary data or novel tools relevant to longitudinal brain measurement.
Technical requirements
  • Proposed research must focus on novel approaches for measuring brain changes across longer timespans
  • Clinical trial component is optional but must comply with NIH clinical trial policies if included
  • Must conform to NIH R21 exploratory/developmental research grant mechanism requirements

How they evaluate

Submission: Grants.gov federal grants portal submission

Risks & flags

  • Multi-year open solicitation window (Nov 2024 – May 2027) is standard for NIH program announcements and not indicative of wiring; however, the highly specialized subject matter (longitudinal brain measurement) naturally limits the eligible applicant pool to a narrow set of neuroscience researchers and institutions

Market context

inferred from NAICS
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
NAICS 541711
US market size
$2.0T
Typical award
$25K – $50M
Typical buyers
All federal civilianDoDStates
Commonly required
8(a)WOSBSDVOSBPE/PMP

Sector-level estimate — full code lookup not yet in catalog.

New Approaches for Measuring Brain Changes…
Due May 07
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