Silvio O. Conte Centers for Basic Neuroscience or Translational Mental Health Research

The National Institute of Mental Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting the release of the Silvio O. Conte Centers for Basic Neuroscience or Translational Mental Health Research funding opportunity. This program aims to support advanced research initiatives in neuroscience and mental health, with a particular focus on building collaborative centers that integrate basic and translational research. The funding announcement is designed to give potential applicants time to organize research teams and project plans in preparation for the upcoming application cycle. The purpose of the program is to enhance understanding of brain and behavior by addressing fundamental mechanisms that underlie mental disorders. Specifically, research should either contribute to basic neuroscience discoveries, facilitate the integration of clinical and laboratory research in severe mental illnesses, or improve knowledge of neurobehavioral developmental pathways of psychopathology beginning in childhood and adolescence. Applications are expected to address ambitious, high-impact research questions using integrative and innovative approaches that involve multidisciplinary collaboration across different levels of analysis. The scope of funding is broad within neuroscience and mental health research, and the initiative encourages high-risk, high-reward proposals. Award amounts are expected to reach up to two million dollars per project. Although the total program funding has not yet been disclosed, the award ceiling demonstrates the NIH’s intent to fund large-scale, multi-faceted research programs that can create meaningful scientific advances. The exact number of awards expected is not specified, which indicates that awards will be contingent on the quality and scope of proposals submitted. Eligibility for this program is extensive and includes a wide range of organizations such as nonprofit institutions, both with and without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations including small businesses, public and private institutions of higher education, local and state governments, county governments, tribal governments and organizations, special district governments, and other eligible agencies of the federal government and U.S. territories. This inclusivity reflects the NIH’s recognition that advancing neuroscience and mental health research requires broad collaboration across sectors and disciplines. The timeline for this funding opportunity is structured to allow preparation and planning. The estimated posting date for the official application package is February 9, 2026, with applications due June 9, 2026. Award decisions are expected to be announced on April 1, 2027, with funded projects beginning on the same date. At this stage, no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent have been specified. Because this is a forecast, specific submission instructions and detailed requirements will be provided once the notice of funding opportunity is officially released. Applications will be reviewed for their level of synergy, integration, and potential for advancing the state of the field. Research teams are expected to demonstrate extraordinary collaboration and innovation. Since this opportunity is still at the forecast stage, prospective applicants should monitor the NIH’s announcements and Grants.gov for the official release. For questions, potential applicants may contact Suzanne T. Garcia, Ph.D., at 301-827-1366 or via email at suzanne.garcia@nih.gov for further information.