Funding for Neuroscience Research

NICHD and other NIH institutes and centers offer different mechanisms to support investigators interested in studying topics related to the neurosciences.

Grants & Contracts provides general information about the funding process, including the types of funding mechanisms, how to apply for funding, the peer-review process, and funding guidelines.

In addition, NIH provides general grants information, including descriptions of funding processes and mechanisms, for those interested in applying for support. The NIH Office of Extramural Research is also an important resource for grant applicants and grantees.

NICHD supports investigators at various levels of their careers, from graduate student through established investigator, including the Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00). (Visit the FAQs about K99/R00 for details.)

For more information on these opportunities in the NICHD's extramural program, visit the Support for Training at Universities & Other Institutions section of the NICHD website.

For information about intramural program opportunities, visit the Research and Training Opportunities at the NIH website.

The institute sponsors research relevant to neuroscience as described in announcements published regularly in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts. The locus of review for Career Development Awards (K01, K08, K23, K25, K99/R00), Small Grants (R03), Training Grants (T32, T35), Conference Grants (R13) and Program Project grants (P01) is the NICHD Scientific Review Branch (SRB).

Investigator-initiated Research Project Grants (R01), Academic Research Enhancement Awards (R15), Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Awards (R21), Small Research Grant Program awards (R03), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants (R41, R42), and Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Awards (R43, R44) are reviewed by the Center for Scientific Review (CSR).

First level review at SRB is conducted by several subcommittees of the NICHD Integrated Review Group (IRG) or, when appropriate, by Special Emphasis Panels convened to provide specialized expertise in specific areas of science. Institute advisory groups, such as the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development Council, provide secondary level review of grant applications and cooperative agreements.