R21 Funding Opportunities at NIMH
The R21 grant mechanism encourages the development of new research activities in categorical program areas. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has updated the process for submitting exploratory/developmental (R21) applications to investigator-initiated funding opportunities.
Non-Clinical trial R21 applications
NIMH accepts non-clinical trial R21 applications under the following opportunities:
- PA-25-304: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- PA-25-150: Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Applications must support exploratory and foundational research projects aligned with the NIMH scientific mission.
Clinical trial R21 applications
NIMH accepts mechanistic clinical trial R21 applications under the following opportunities:
- PA-25-306: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required)
- PA-25-307: NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)
See the Consolidated Notice on NIMH Clinical Trials Policies (NOT-MH-23-375 ), for a summary of NIMH’s polices on support for mechanistic and other clinical trials.
Other NIMH R21 Funding Opportunities
NIMH Funding Opportunities Website: Explore additional NIMH-specific funding opportunities.
Receipt dates
Standard Due Dates: Many targeted funding opportunities use Standard Due Dates . Check the "Key Dates" section in the targeted funding opportunity.
Staff contacts
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Agency Contacts listed in the targeted funding opportunity before applying.
Additional resources
- NIH Guide to Grants and Contracts : Visit for information on upcoming funding opportunities across NIH.
- NIMH Extramural Research Programs: Review to understand the broad range of scientific fields supported by NIMH.