Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R21 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)
Funding to develop advanced human nerve system models for studying health and diseases.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
National Institutes of Health has archived this opportunity.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 16, 2025 (New) | July 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | October 16, 2025 (New) | November 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision)
Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000 direct costs per year, not to exceed $275,000 total over 2 years (R21 mechanism)
Summary: Supports exploratory research to develop advanced human cell-derived microphysiological systems (MPS) that replicate complex nervous system architectures and physiology.
Key Information: Clinical trials are not allowed; high-risk/high-reward, early-stage projects are encouraged; foreign organizations are eligible.
Description
This NIH funding opportunity supports the development of next-generation human cell-derived microphysiological systems (MPS) and related assays that more accurately replicate the complex architecture and physiology of the human nervous system. The goal is to enable future studies of nervous system development, function, and aging in both healthy and disease states, with improved fidelity over current models.
The R21 mechanism is intended for exploratory and developmental research, particularly high-risk/high-reward projects that may lack preliminary data. Projects should focus on technological innovation in MPS, rather than disease mechanism studies or compound screening.
Participating NIH Institutes include the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
