Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 10 154
Apply for PAR 10 154
- The National Institutes of Health in the education environment health income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Innovative Neuroscience K 12 Education (SBIR R43/R44)" 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 93.121 Oral Diseases and Disorders Research 93.242 Mental Health Research Grants 93.273 Alcohol Research Programs 93.279 Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs 93.351 Research Infrastructure Programs 93.361 Nursing Research 93.389 National Center for Research Resources 93.853 Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders 93.865 Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research 93.866 Aging Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 19, 2012 and posted on Mar 25, 2010.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 4, 2012. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Small businesses.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Innovative Neuroscience K-12 Education (SBIR R43/R44) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-10-154) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant program aimed at helping small businesses create new, high-quality neuroscience education tools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It is connected to the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, a cross-NIH effort that encourages coordination among the NIH Office of the Director and 15 participating NIH Institutes and Centers that support nervous system research. While the announcement sits under the Blueprint umbrella, the participating Institutes and Centers are involved independently, meaning applicants should pay attention to fit and relevance to the neuroscience education mission areas supported across NIH.
The core goal of the program is to stimulate the development of innovative educational products that teach neuroscience in ways that are engaging, practical, and relevant to young learners. The announcement is intentionally broad about what counts as an educational tool. Proposed products can use essentially any medium or delivery method, including paper-based materials and curricula, electronic or software-based tools, simulations, interactive games, videos, notebooks, and other formats. Tools may be designed for classroom use or informal learning environments outside of school. They can be intended for individual use or group use, and they may or may not require active participation from adults, teachers, or facilitators. This flexibility is designed to make room for both traditional educational materials and newer technology-enabled approaches.
Beyond simply teaching facts, the NIH is looking for tools that help students actually acquire neuroscience knowledge and apply it to their own lives. In other words, products should not only explain how the brain and nervous system work, but also help learners connect neuroscience concepts to everyday decisions, health, behavior, learning, emotions, or other real-world contexts appropriate for K-12 audiences. The FOA also emphasizes motivating students: strong projects are expected to increase interest in learning neuroscience and to encourage curiosity about neuroscience-related careers. Another explicit priority is representation. Tools should present a positive, realistic picture of who does neuroscience work, reflecting the diversity of people engaged in neuroscience research and neuroscience-related occupations, rather than reinforcing narrow stereotypes about scientists or who "belongs" in STEM fields.
A particularly important encouragement in the announcement is to develop tools that broaden participation in neuroscience learning, especially for students who are underrepresented. The FOA specifically mentions Native American, Black, Hispanic, female, and disabled students, along with other underrepresented groups. Proposals that intentionally address barriers to access and participation, or that are designed to resonate with and support these student populations, are viewed as especially aligned with the program's intent. In practice, that can include culturally responsive content and examples, inclusive design and accessibility features, thoughtful character and role-model representation, and outreach or implementation plans that reach communities that have historically had fewer opportunities in neuroscience education.
Funding is provided through the standard SBIR mechanisms: Phase I (R43) for early-stage feasibility and proof-of-concept work, Phase II (R44) for full research and development and further product maturation, and a Fast Track option that combines Phase I and Phase II in a single application pathway for projects that are ready to move quickly from feasibility to development. Only small business concerns are eligible applicants. The announcement notes there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which matters for companies planning budgets and cash flow because applicants are not required to contribute a specified portion of project costs from non-federal sources.
In terms of award amounts and number of awards, the FOA does not promise a fixed funding pool or a guaranteed number of grants. Instead, awards depend on the availability of funds and the quality of the applications received. The total awarded and the number of funded projects can vary based on factors like scientific and educational merit, how long the proposed work will take, and the proposed costs. In other words, this is a competitive, merit-based program where strong alignment with the stated education goals and a well-justified development plan are critical.
Administrative details from the posting indicate it was released by NIH as a discretionary grant opportunity, posted March 25, 2010, with an original closing date of April 4, 2012 (and an archive date of May 5, 2012). The listing includes multiple CFDA program numbers spanning areas such as mental health, drug abuse, alcohol research, child health and development, aging, neurological disorders, and research infrastructure, reflecting the broad range of NIH Institutes and Centers that may have interest in neuroscience-related educational innovation. Applicants seeking the full text and requirements were directed to the NIH Grants Guide page for PAR-10-154, and the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contact was provided for technical access issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Innovative Neuroscience K-12 Education (SBIR R43/R44) opportunity?
It is an NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding opportunity (PAR-10-154) focused on helping small businesses create innovative, high-quality neuroscience education tools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Which agency sponsors this grant opportunity?
The opportunity is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is PAR-10-154.
How is this opportunity connected to the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research?
The announcement sits under the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research umbrella, a cross-NIH effort involving the NIH Office of the Director and 15 participating NIH Institutes and Centers that support nervous system research.
Does the NIH Blueprint mean all participating Institutes and Centers review applications together?
No. The participating Institutes and Centers are involved independently. Applicants are expected to pay attention to mission fit and relevance across the neuroscience education mission areas supported within NIH.
What is the main goal of the program?
The core goal is to stimulate development of innovative educational products that teach neuroscience in ways that are engaging, practical, and relevant to K-12 learners.
What kinds of products count as "neuroscience education tools" under this FOA?
The announcement is intentionally broad. Tools can include paper-based materials and curricula, electronic or software-based tools, simulations, interactive games, videos, notebooks, and other formats.
Are digital-only products required?
No. The FOA allows essentially any medium or delivery method, including traditional paper-based materials and curricula as well as technology-enabled products.
Do tools have to be used in a classroom?
No. Tools may be designed for classroom use or for informal learning environments outside of school.
Can the tool be designed for individual learners or group settings?
Yes. Tools can be intended for individual use or group use.
Do proposed tools need a teacher or facilitator to run them?
Not necessarily. Tools may or may not require active participation from adults, teachers, or facilitators.
What does NIH mean by making neuroscience "practical" and "relevant" for K-12 students?
NIH is looking for tools that help students acquire neuroscience knowledge and apply it to their own lives, connecting concepts to everyday decisions, health, behavior, learning, emotions, or other real-world contexts appropriate for K-12 audiences.
Is the FOA focused only on teaching neuroscience facts?
No. Beyond content knowledge, the FOA emphasizes helping learners apply neuroscience concepts in age-appropriate real-world contexts.
Does the FOA prioritize student motivation and interest?
Yes. Strong projects are expected to increase interest in learning neuroscience and encourage curiosity about neuroscience-related careers.
Does the FOA address representation of scientists and neuroscience professionals?
Yes. An explicit priority is to present a positive, realistic picture of who does neuroscience work that reflects diversity in neuroscience research and neuroscience-related occupations, rather than reinforcing narrow stereotypes about who "belongs" in STEM.
Does this opportunity encourage projects aimed at broadening participation?
Yes. The FOA particularly encourages tools that broaden participation in neuroscience learning, especially for students who are underrepresented.
Which underrepresented groups are specifically mentioned?
The FOA specifically mentions Native American, Black, Hispanic, female, and disabled students, along with other underrepresented groups.
What are examples of approaches that may align with the FOA's broadening participation emphasis?
Based on the description provided, aligned approaches can include culturally responsive content and examples, inclusive design and accessibility features, thoughtful character and role-model representation, and outreach or implementation plans that reach communities with historically fewer opportunities in neuroscience education.
What funding mechanisms are used in this SBIR program?
Funding is offered through standard SBIR mechanisms: Phase I (R43), Phase II (R44), and a Fast Track option that combines Phase I and Phase II in a single application pathway.
What is SBIR Phase I (R43) intended to support?
Phase I (R43) supports early-stage feasibility and proof-of-concept work.
What is SBIR Phase II (R44) intended to support?
Phase II (R44) supports full research and development and further product maturation.
What is the Fast Track option?
Fast Track is an option that combines Phase I and Phase II into a single application pathway for projects ready to move quickly from feasibility to development.
Who is eligible to apply?
Only small business concerns are eligible applicants.
Is cost sharing or matching required?
No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.
Is there a guaranteed number of awards or a fixed funding pool?
No. The FOA does not promise a fixed funding pool or a guaranteed number of grants.
What determines how many awards are made and how much is awarded?
Awards depend on the availability of funds and the quality of applications received. The total number and amount of awards can vary based on factors such as scientific and educational merit, proposed project duration, and proposed costs.
Is this a competitive program?
Yes. The description indicates it is a competitive, merit-based program where strong alignment with the education goals and a well-justified development plan are important.
When was this opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?
It was posted March 25, 2010, with an original closing date of April 4, 2012, and an archive date of May 5, 2012.
How was the grant opportunity classified in the posting?
It was listed as a discretionary grant opportunity released by NIH.
What CFDA program areas were associated with this listing?
The listing included multiple CFDA program numbers spanning areas such as mental health, drug abuse, alcohol research, child health and development, aging, neurological disorders, and research infrastructure, reflecting the broad range of NIH Institutes and Centers that may be interested in neuroscience-related educational innovation.
Where were applicants directed to find the full text and requirements?
Applicants were directed to the NIH Grants Guide page for PAR-10-154 for the full text and requirements.
Who was the contact for technical access issues?
The NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contact was provided for technical access issues.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 10 154) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Research on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (R01) Apply for PA 10 158 Funding Number: PA 10 158 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research On Autism And Autism Spectrum Disorders (R03) Apply for PA 10 159 Funding Number: PA 10 159 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (R21) Apply for PA 10 160 Funding Number: PA 10 160 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| International Neuroscience Fellowship (F05) Apply for PAR 10 167 Funding Number: PAR 10 167 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Grand Challenge Developing Novel Drugs for Disorders of the Nervous System (U01) Apply for RFA NS 11 002 Funding Number: RFA NS 11 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Bioengineering Research Partnerships (BRP)R01 Apply for PAR 10 234 Funding Number: PAR 10 234 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Climate Change and Health Assessing and Modeling Population Vulnerability to Climate Change (R21) Apply for PAR 10 235 Funding Number: PAR 10 235 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Chronic, Non Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan Fogarty International Research Training Award (NCD LIFESPAN) (D43) Apply for PAR 10 257 Funding Number: PAR 10 257 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Robotics Technology Development and Deployment RTD2 (R43) Apply for PAR 10 279 Funding Number: PAR 10 279 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Limited Competition for the Global Research Initiative Program, Behavioral/Social Sciences (R01) Apply for PAR 10 280 Funding Number: PAR 10 280 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Training in Computational Neuroscience From Biology to Model and Back Again (T90/R90) Apply for RFA DA 11 005 Funding Number: RFA DA 11 005 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Training in Neuroimaging Integrating First Principles and Applications (T90/R90) Apply for RFA DA 11 006 Funding Number: RFA DA 11 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Limited Competition Brain Disorders in the Developing World Research Across the Lifespan (R01)) Apply for PAR 11 030 Funding Number: PAR 11 030 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Brain Disorders in the Developing World Research Across the Lifespan (R21) Apply for PAR 11 031 Funding Number: PAR 11 031 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| NIH Summer Research Experience Programs (R25) Apply for PAR 11 050 Funding Number: PAR 11 050 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| International Neuroscience Fellowship (F05) Apply for PAR 11 106 Funding Number: PAR 11 106 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Science Education Award (R25) Apply for RFA DA 11 013 Funding Number: RFA DA 11 013 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine (R01) Apply for PA 11 148 Funding Number: PA 11 148 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Biology and Medicine (R21) Apply for PA 11 149 Funding Number: PA 11 149 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research Grand Challenge Developing Novel Drugs for Disorders of the Nervous System (U01) Apply for RFA NS 12 002 Funding Number: RFA NS 12 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Environment Health Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $125,000 |
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