RFI: Impact of Environmental Exposures on Gut-Brain Signaling in Neurological Conditions (R01)

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a forecasted funding opportunity announcement titled “Impact of Environmental Exposures on Gut-Brain Signaling in Neurological Conditions (R01).” The NIEHS supports research aimed at understanding how environmental factors influence health, with a particular focus on the interplay between environmental exposures and biological processes. This funding opportunity is anticipated to open in October 2025, with the objective of advancing knowledge around the gut microbiome-brain axis and its involvement in neurological diseases influenced by environmental factors. The primary purpose of this grant is to encourage research projects that explore the mechanisms by which environmental exposures affect gut-brain signaling pathways, potentially leading to a variety of neurological conditions. These may include both mental health disorders and chronic neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. A key goal is the development of gut-focused intervention strategies—such as probiotics, the identification of microbial biomarkers, nutritional supplements, or the creation of novel therapeutics—to mitigate risk, slow progression, or even reverse the course of these neurological disorders. The program recognizes the growing evidence of overlapping gut-brain signaling in a range of conditions with gut-related comorbidities. The funding scope is expected to be broad and inclusive, allowing for a diverse array of research approaches and study populations. The grant will utilize the NIH R01 activity code, which is designed to support discrete, specified, and circumscribed research projects. The total anticipated program funding is $4,000,000, with approximately 8 awards expected, though specific award ceilings and floors are not provided in the current forecast. Applications may be submitted by a wide range of organizations, including independent school districts, tribal governments, state and county governments, small businesses, for-profit entities other than small businesses, public housing authorities, tribal organizations (both federally recognized and others), private and public institutions of higher education, and nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are also allowed. Eligibility criteria are broad, and collaboration is highly encouraged. Applicants with expertise in biological mechanisms underlying the effects of environmental exposures on neurological outcomes, as well as those with backgrounds in toxicology, microbiome research, and neuroscience, are particularly encouraged to prepare for this upcoming opportunity. The grant explicitly encourages collaborative investigations that bring together these fields. The submission process, as is standard with NIH opportunities, is expected to require detailed research proposals addressing the scope, significance, approach, and potential impact of the project. While the exact application questions and evaluation criteria are not listed in the current forecast, applicants should anticipate NIH’s standard rigorous peer review process, including scientific merit, innovation, investigator capability, and potential for significant impact. Key anticipated dates for this opportunity include an estimated posting date of October 27, 2025, an estimated application due date of January 15, 2026, an estimated award date of July 1, 2026, and a corresponding project start date of July 1, 2026. The opportunity is currently forecasted and not yet open; notice is being provided to allow sufficient time for potential applicants to assemble collaborative teams and prepare responsive projects. The grant is not a rolling or recurring opportunity as described in the current notice. For additional information or clarification, potential applicants may contact Dr. Anika L. Dzierlenga at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences via phone (984-287-3125) or email (anika.dzierlenga@nih.gov).