Utilizing Invasive Recording and Stimulating Opportunities in Humans to Advance Neural Circuitry Understanding of Mental Health Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

This document lays out the information for a grant opportunity directed towards researchers in the field of invasive neural recording, with the goal of advancing the understanding of neural circuitry related to mental health disorders. This specific grant opportunity, known as 'Utilizing Invasive Recording and Stimulating Opportunities in Humans to Advance Neural Circuitry Understanding of Mental Health Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)', is a reissue of RFA-20-351.

The goal of this grant is to encourage scientists to engage in invasive neural recording studies that can tackle crucial questions related to mental health disorders. Invasive neural recordings, which provide a detailed view of the human brain, are of particular interest due to their high level of spatial and temporal precision. These recordings allow researchers to explore the neural dynamics and circuitry that underlie complex emotions, moods, cognitive functions, and behaviors.

Furthermore, the grant highlights the possibility of conducting direct causal tests through the modulation of network dynamics, which is achievable via the same electrodes used for recording.

However, it's important to note that this grant is specifically targeting a gap in the available scientific knowledge relating to neural circuits and mental health disorders. Therefore, applicants should ensure their research questions are geared towards areas with high translational potential, specifically within the realm of invasive recording modalities.

The grant will not really consider applications that focus on the development of new technologies or therapies - this sits outside of the grant's scope.