Research Program Award (R35 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is offering a Research Program Award (RPA) as a way to provide longer-term support to Program Directors (PDs) and Principal Investigators (PIs), reducing the administrative challenges that come with managing multiple grant applications. It allows researchers more freedom and flexibility to engage directly in their lab work and mentoring activities rather than spending time writing and managing grants.

The RPA is open to investigators at most career stages, enabling them to pursue their long-term research goals and offer exciting opportunities within the field. The award also aligns with the mission of NINDS to foster the mentoring of students and postdoctorates.

Under the RPA, NINDS will provide funding for up to eight years at a level that matches the recent NINDS support of the eligible PD/PI. This provides a stable funding environment for research projects that require a longer execution time or are set to break new ground in the field.

This program is ideal for researchers looking for stable funding that facilitates the pursuit of longer-term research goals and those interested in flexible funding options. It also provides a solution for those researchers seeking to minimize the time spent writing grant applications and managing multiple awards.

However, research activities that fall outside the remit of NINDS or those usually supported by another NIH Institute or Center will not be considered under this program.

NINDS values diversity and inclusiveness, so more time will be available for PDs/PIs to mentor a diverse workforce within their laboratories. The institute believes diversity within the NIH-supported scientific workforce fosters innovation, global competitiveness, robust learning environments, and ultimately improves the quality of research.