Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 08 113
Apply for PAR 08 113
- The National Institutes of Health in the education environment health income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Brain Disorders in the Developing World Research Across the Lifespan (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.113 Environmental Health 93.209 Contraception and Infertility Research Loan Repayment Program 93.242 Mental Health Research Grants 93.273 Alcohol Research Programs 93.279 Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs 93.853 Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders 93.865 Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research 93.866 Aging Research 93.989 International Research and Research Training.
- This funding opportunity was created on Oct 9, 2009 and posted on Mar 18, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 23, 2010. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $6,000,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Eligible applicants include: Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) State governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Small businesses City or township governments Independent school districts Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Special district governments Private institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) County governments For profit organizations other than small businesses Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
- Foreign institutions are eligible to apply. Faith based or community based organizations can apply.
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Opportunity Summary:
Brain Disorders in the Developing World Research Across the Lifespan (R21) (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-08-113) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity designed to support early-stage, exploratory work that helps teams build strong, long-term research programs focused on brain and other nervous system function and disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The central idea is to fund planning and developmental projects that bring together scientists from high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs to generate new collaborations, shape innovative research directions, and strengthen research training tied to real health needs in LMIC settings. While the award supports exploratory activities, NIH is aiming for projects that set the groundwork for larger, sustained research efforts that improve understanding of nervous system development, function, and impairment across the entire human lifespan, and that ultimately contribute to diagnostics, prevention strategies, and treatments that can be applied globally.
The grant uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is typically intended for exploratory or developmental research, including proof-of-concept work, early planning, and the creation of new approaches that may be too preliminary for a larger, full-scale study. This R21 opportunity runs in parallel with a companion announcement that has the same scientific focus but uses the R01 mechanism (PAR-08-112), which is generally intended for more mature, hypothesis-driven research programs. In practical terms, PAR-08-113 is positioned as a way for teams to form or deepen cross-country partnerships, test feasibility, develop shared protocols, and plan training and capacity-building components that can grow into a full research program later on.
NIH anticipated making roughly six to fifteen awards under this announcement, with the understanding that the final number depends on available funds and how many high-quality applications are submitted. The estimated total funding associated with the opportunity is listed as about $6,000,000. Because the program invites a wide range of project types and scopes, both the budget size and project duration were expected to vary across awards rather than follow a single fixed model. The basic expectation is that the funded work will be strong enough scientifically and logistically to justify follow-on research and to contribute meaningfully to sustainable LMIC research capacity.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations. Applicants may include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits (including those without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses), small businesses, state and local government entities, independent school districts, special district governments, tribal governments and tribal organizations, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities. Importantly for an internationally oriented program, foreign institutions are explicitly eligible to apply. The announcement also states that faith-based and community-based organizations may apply, which signals openness to applicants that are closely embedded in local service and community contexts, as long as they can meet NIH requirements for research administration and oversight.
The scientific scope is intentionally broad but anchored around brain and nervous system health in LMIC-relevant contexts and across life stages, which can include early development, childhood and adolescence, adulthood, and aging. The emphasis on “across the lifespan” highlights that the program is not limited to a single age group or condition type; rather, it encourages applicants to consider how neurological and neurodevelopmental issues emerge, change, and can be addressed at different points in life, especially where LMIC-specific exposures, healthcare constraints, and sociocultural factors shape risk, detection, and outcomes. Another defining feature is the dual focus on research and research training, meaning proposals are expected to think not only about producing scientific findings but also about strengthening human capacity and collaborative infrastructure in LMIC settings over the long term.
Administratively, this was posted on March 18, 2008, and the closing date listed is August 23, 2010, with an archive date of September 23, 2010. The opportunity sits within NIH’s broader mission space and is associated with multiple CFDA program areas spanning neurosciences and neurological disorders, mental health, alcohol and drug abuse research, child health and human development, aging, international research and research training, and related health domains. The cost-sharing or matching requirement is listed as “No,” meaning applicants were not required to provide matching funds as a condition of award.
Overall, PAR-08-113 is best understood as a capacity-building and collaboration-driven NIH planning grant for globally relevant brain and nervous system research, specifically designed to stimulate innovative partnerships between HIC and LMIC researchers. The program’s long-term aim is not just to fund short, isolated projects, but to help create durable research programs and training pathways in LMICs that can produce practical improvements in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neurological and nervous system disorders worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is PAR-08-113?
PAR-08-113, titled "Brain Disorders in the Developing World Research Across the Lifespan (R21)," is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity that supports early-stage, exploratory projects focused on brain and nervous system function and disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
What is the main purpose of this R21 opportunity?
The central purpose is to fund planning and developmental research that helps teams build strong, long-term research programs. The opportunity emphasizes forming or strengthening collaborations between scientists in high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs, while generating innovative research directions and strengthening research training tied to real health needs in LMIC settings.
What kind of research activities does the NIH R21 mechanism support under this announcement?
This opportunity uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is intended for exploratory or developmental work. Examples of the types of efforts described include proof-of-concept work, early planning, feasibility testing, development of shared protocols, creation of new approaches, and other preliminary activities that may be too early for a larger full-scale study.
How is this R21 announcement different from the companion R01 announcement?
PAR-08-113 uses the R21 mechanism for exploratory/developmental work. It runs in parallel with a companion announcement with the same scientific focus that uses the R01 mechanism (PAR-08-112), which is generally intended for more mature, hypothesis-driven research programs.
What is the program trying to achieve in the long term?
NIH is aiming for projects that lay the groundwork for larger, sustained research efforts. Over time, the intent is to improve understanding of nervous system development, function, and impairment across the human lifespan and to contribute to diagnostics, prevention strategies, and treatments that can be applied globally.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. The announcement indicates that many types of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations may apply, including institutions of higher education (public and private), nonprofits (including those without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses), small businesses, state and local governments, independent school districts, special district governments, tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, and other eligible entities. Foreign institutions are explicitly eligible, and faith-based and community-based organizations may also apply.
Are foreign institutions allowed to apply directly?
Yes. The opportunity explicitly states that foreign institutions are eligible to apply.
Does the program require collaboration between HIC and LMIC researchers?
The program is described as being designed to bring together scientists from high-income countries and LMICs to generate new collaborations, shape innovative research directions, and strengthen research training and capacity in LMIC settings.
Is this opportunity focused only on a specific age group or stage of life?
No. The scientific framing emphasizes research "across the lifespan," which can include early development, childhood and adolescence, adulthood, and aging.
What scientific topics are within scope?
The scope is intentionally broad but anchored around brain and other nervous system function and disorders in LMIC-relevant contexts. The opportunity emphasizes understanding development, function, and impairment of the nervous system across life stages, especially where LMIC-specific exposures, healthcare constraints, and sociocultural factors influence risk, detection, and outcomes.
Is research training or capacity-building expected to be part of the project?
Yes. A defining feature described is the dual focus on research and research training. Proposals are expected to consider not only scientific results but also strengthening human capacity and collaborative infrastructure in LMIC settings over the long term.
How many awards did NIH expect to make?
NIH anticipated making roughly six to fifteen awards under this announcement, with the final number depending on available funds and the volume of high-quality applications submitted.
How much funding is associated with this opportunity?
The estimated total funding associated with the opportunity is listed as approximately $6,000,000.
Are there fixed award budgets or project durations?
No single fixed model is described. Because the program invites a range of project types and scopes, the budget size and project duration were expected to vary across awards.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The cost-sharing/matching requirement is listed as "No," meaning matching funds were not required as a condition of award.
When was this funding opportunity posted?
The announcement was posted on March 18, 2008.
What was the closing date for applications?
The closing date listed is August 23, 2010.
When was the opportunity archived?
The archive date listed is September 23, 2010.
What NIH mission areas or program domains are connected to this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA program areas spanning neurosciences and neurological disorders, mental health, alcohol and drug abuse research, child health and human development, aging, international research and research training, and related health domains.
What makes PAR-08-113 a good fit for early-stage teams or new collaborations?
The R21 is positioned as a way for teams to form or deepen cross-country partnerships, test feasibility, develop shared protocols, and plan training and capacity-building components that can grow into a full research program later.
What does NIH mean by "planning and developmental" projects in this context?
In this announcement, "planning and developmental" refers to projects that help establish the foundation for sustained research, such as exploratory work, feasibility assessments, early protocol development, and collaboration-building between HIC and LMIC investigators.
Is the goal limited to producing short-term results?
No. While the award supports exploratory activities, the stated intent is to seed durable research programs and training pathways in LMICs that can lead to practical improvements in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neurological and nervous system disorders worldwide.
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| Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R21) Apply for PAR 08 213 Funding Number: PAR 08 213 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R03) Apply for PAR 08 214 Funding Number: PAR 08 214 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fogarty International Research Collaboration Basic Biomedical (FIRCA BB) Research Award (R03) Apply for PAR 08 222 Funding Number: PAR 08 222 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Fogarty International Research Collaboration Behavioral and Social Sciences (FIRCA BSS) Research Award (R03) Apply for PAR 08 223 Funding Number: PAR 08 223 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Using Systems Science Methodologies to Protect and Improve Population Health (R21) Apply for PAR 08 224 Funding Number: PAR 08 224 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Pathophysiology and Treatment (R01) Apply for PA 08 246 Funding Number: PA 08 246 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Pathophysiology and Treatment (R21) Apply for PA 08 247 Funding Number: PA 08 247 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Research to Advance Vaccine Safety (R01) Apply for PA 08 256 Funding Number: PA 08 256 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research to Advance Vaccine Safety (R21) Apply for PA 08 257 Funding Number: PA 08 257 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) Apply for PA 06 001 Funding Number: PA 06 001 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Independent Scientist Award (K02) Apply for PA 06 527 Funding Number: PA 06 527 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Independent Scientist Award (K02) Apply for PA 09 038 Funding Number: PA 09 038 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21) Apply for PA 09 164 Funding Number: PA 09 164 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (NRSA) for Individual Senior Fellows (F33) Apply for PA 09 211 Funding Number: PA 09 211 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| The Human Connectome Project (U54) Apply for RFA MH 10 020 Funding Number: RFA MH 10 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Bioengineering Nanotechnology Initiative (STTR R41/R42 Apply for PA 09 266 Funding Number: PA 09 266 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Bioengineering Research Grants (BRG)(R01) Apply for PA 10 009 Funding Number: PA 10 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) R21 Apply for PA 10 010 Funding Number: PA 10 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
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