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

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced funding opportunities through the R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant mechanism, encouraging the development of innovative methods to measure brain changes across longer timespans. Supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and National Cancer Institute (NCI), this initiative focuses on multidisciplinary research exploring the dynamics of brain development, aging, and associated neurodevelopmental or neurodegenerative conditions. The goal is to enhance understanding of brain trajectories and their implications for health or disease. Projects must incorporate novel approaches or adaptations of existing methods to enable longitudinal or cross-sectional studies, including tracking neuroanatomical, cellular, functional, or genetic changes over time. Studies may involve human participants across various life stages, including prenatal and advanced age, or animal models with translational relevance. Proposals must include at least two measurement timepoints per subject or animal to establish meaningful developmental or aging trajectories. Eligible research topics include developing new technologies for longitudinal imaging, tracking molecular or cellular changes, and integrating multimodal data for predictive analytics. Examples include tools for tracking brain connectivity across life stages, innovative imaging modifications for hard-to-image populations, and computational models linking early developmental metrics to later brain function. Applicants may incorporate hypothesis-driven aims to test the utility of these methods but must focus on technical innovation. Funding allows for a maximum of $275,000 in direct costs over two years, with no more than $200,000 allocated in a single year. Applications should align with NIH guidelines for rigor and transparency and must include a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), which outlines strategies to foster inclusivity in the research process. Projects failing to include annual milestones, a PEDP, or those not focused on in vivo longitudinal studies will be deemed nonresponsive. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and foreign entities. Collaborative proposals involving diverse disciplines and community engagement are encouraged. Applications are due on standard NIH submission dates through May 2027, beginning January 16, 2025. Applications will be reviewed for innovation, significance, and feasibility, with emphasis on the research's ability to extend brain measurement capabilities across life stages. Awardees will be required to submit regular progress reports, including updates on PEDP implementation, and adhere to NIH policies on data sharing and clinical trial reporting. For additional guidance or specific areas of interest, applicants are encouraged to contact program officers listed in the funding announcement. The funding opportunity supports NIH’s mission to advance scientific innovation and improve understanding of brain health across the lifespan.