NINDS/NIMH R21 Neuroscience Research Grant Expiration Update

NIH Guide Funding Opportunities

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected March 31st, 2026

Summary

NINDS issued NOT-NS-26-007 on March 31, 2026, advancing the expiration date of PA-25-150 (Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant R21) from January 8, 2028 to May 8, 2026. The change removes eight application cycles beyond February 2026, limiting submissions to three remaining cycles with final new application deadline of February 16, 2026.

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What changed

This notice modifies the expiration date of PA-25-150 from January 8, 2028 to May 8, 2026. The updated Key Dates table eliminates all application cycles beyond the February-June-October 2026 cycle row, removing eight submission windows that were previously available. Researchers and academic institutions applying for the Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21) must now submit applications within the shortened three-cycle window.

Prospective applicants should immediately review planned submissions against the compressed timeline, confirm institutional eligibility and registration status, and apply early to allow adequate time for corrections before submission deadlines. All applications must be received by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. No further applications will be accepted after the May 8, 2026 expiration date.

What to do next

Review planned R21 applications against the shortened timeline and earlier deadlines
Prepare and submit applications before the final new application deadline of February 16, 2026
Apply early to allow time for corrections during the submission process

Source document (simplified)

Notice of Change: NINDS Expiration of PA-25-150: Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21) Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Notice Number: NOT-NS-26-007

Key Dates

Release Date: March 31, 2026

Related Announcements

January 08, 2025 - Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). See NOFO PA-25-150

Issued by

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke (NINDS)

Purpose

The purpose of this notice is to inform the extramural community that effective May 08, 2026 NINDS will expire PA-25-150: Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). No further applications will be accepted for this Notice of Funding Opportunity beyond the expiration date.

PA-25-150 - Key Dates

Currently Reads:

| Application Due Dates | | | Review and Award Cycles | | |
| --- | --- | | | | |
| New | Renewal / Resubmission / Revision (as allowed) | AIDS - New/Renewal/Resubmission/Revision, as allowed | Scientific Merit Review | Advisory Council Review | Earliest Start Date |
| February 16, 2025 * | March 16, 2025 * | May 07, 2025 * | July 2025 | October 2025 | December 2025 |
| June 16, 2025 * | July 16, 2025 * | September 07, 2025 * | November 2025 | January 2026 | April 2026 |
| October 16, 2025 * | November 16, 2025 * | January 07, 2026 * | March 2026 | May 2026 | July 2026 |
| February 16, 2026 * | March 16, 2026 * | May 07, 2026 * | July 2026 | October 2026 | December 2026 |
| June 16, 2026 * | July 16, 2026 * | September 07, 2026 * | November 2026 | January 2027 | April 2027 |
| October 16, 2026 * | November 16, 2026 * | January 07, 2027 * | March 2027 | May 2027 | July 2027 |
| February 16, 2027 * | March 16, 2027 * | May 07, 2027 * | July 2027 | October 2027 | December 2027 |
| June 16, 2027 * | July 16, 2027 * | September 07, 2027 * | November 2027 | January 2028 | April 2028 |
| October 16, 2027 * | November 16, 2027 * | January 7, 2028* | March 2028 | May 2028 | July 2028 |

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

Expiration Date

January 08, 2028

Revised to Read:

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

Expiration Date

May 08, 2026