Research Program Award (R35 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the National Institutes of Health, has announced a forecasted Research Program Award (R35 Clinical Trial Optional) under opportunity number RFA-NS-26-006. This program is designed to provide longer-term support and increased flexibility to Program Directors and Principal Investigators in order to reduce their reliance on multiple, separate research awards. By consolidating research funding, NINDS aims to allow investigators to devote more time to scientific inquiry and mentorship while minimizing administrative responsibilities. The Research Program Award seeks to align closely with the mission of NINDS, supporting innovative projects in the neurosciences and neurological disorders. Its purpose is to provide investigators with a more stable funding environment, enabling them to undertake ambitious, long-term research projects or explore new and potentially groundbreaking avenues of inquiry. Awardees will also be encouraged to dedicate more time to mentoring trainees, contributing to the development of the biomedical workforce. Activities that fall outside the NINDS mission or are typically supported by other NIH institutes will not be eligible under this program. The scope of the funding includes a wide range of neurological and neuroscientific research activities, and because the R35 mechanism allows flexibility, investigators are not restricted to narrow project aims. This flexibility is a defining feature, enabling awardees to adapt their research approaches as new opportunities and discoveries emerge. The funding rules also emphasize the importance of ensuring stability for investigators, allowing them to plan projects over a longer timeframe without the disruption of frequent proposal writing. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad, encompassing state governments, county and city or township governments, independent school districts, special district governments, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, Native American tribal governments and organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, faith-based and community-based organizations, regional organizations, federal government agencies, U.S. territories and possessions, foreign institutions, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses. This inclusive eligibility structure underscores the NIH’s commitment to supporting diverse research institutions and investigators both domestically and internationally. The anticipated application timeline indicates that the official posting date is estimated for April 15, 2026, with applications due by July 15, 2026. Awards are projected to be announced by March 1, 2027, with funded projects beginning on that same date. As this is a forecasted opportunity, no applications are being accepted at this time, and applicants are encouraged to use the advance notice to plan collaborations and project development. No pre-application steps such as letters of intent are listed in the forecast. Funding levels for this award are significant, with an award floor of $350,000 and an award ceiling of $750,000. The total program funding has not yet been disclosed, and the expected number of awards has not been provided. Matching or cost sharing is not required. Applicants should carefully review the specific eligibility notes to ensure compliance, as only research that aligns with NINDS’s scientific mission will be considered. The primary contact for this opportunity is Alisa Schaefer, who can be reached by email at nindsr35@ninds.nih.gov. While no phone numbe