Understanding Neurological Effects of COVID-19 and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA NS 23 022

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA NS 23 022

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering an R21 grant opportunity titled "Understanding Neurological Effects of COVID-19 and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" under Funding Opportunity Number RFA-NS-23-022. This is a discretionary, exploratory research grant intended to support early-stage, innovative projects that can quickly generate new insights into how COVID-19 affects the brain and nervous system. The focus is on neurological and neuropsychiatric manifestations during acute infection (often referred to as neuro-COVID), longer-term neurological complications that persist or emerge after infection as part of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (neuro-PASC), and the ways COVID-19 may worsen or interact with neurologic conditions that existed before someone was infected.

The NOFO is especially interested in applications that dig into underlying biology rather than simply describing symptoms. In practical terms, that means studies aimed at clarifying pathophysiology and mechanisms behind neuro-COVID and neuro-PASC, including neurologically focused human subjects research. Projects that map out how SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers neurological injury or dysfunction, how immune responses and inflammation may contribute, and what biological pathways might explain persistent cognitive, psychiatric, autonomic, or other neurologic symptoms are all within scope. NIH also signals strong interest in proposals that identify scientifically compelling prevention pathways for neuro-PASC (for example, approaches that could reduce the risk of developing long-term neurological sequelae after infection) or that accelerate development of effective treatments for PASC-related neurological complications. Because the mechanism is R21, the intent is typically high-impact, proof-of-concept work that can open up new directions and support later, larger trials or broader programs of research. Clinical trials are optional, meaning applicants may propose a clinical trial if it fits the aims, but they are not required to do so.

On the administrative side, this opportunity is categorized as a grant within the health funding activity area and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.242, 93.853, and 93.866. The NOFO was created on March 28, 2023, and lists an original closing date of February 2, 2024. The award ceiling is $275,000, indicating the maximum NIH expects to provide per award under this announcement (with the exact budget and project period governed by R21 rules and the application details). The notice does not specify the expected number of awards in the provided text.

Eligibility is broad across government, academic, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities. The NOFO also explicitly calls out a range of mission-driven and community-relevant institution types as eligible, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible agencies of the federal government, and U.S. territories or possessions.

At the same time, the NOFO places clear restrictions on non-U.S. participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, and foreign components (as NIH defines them in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are not allowed. In other words, the work and the applicant organization must be U.S.-based without foreign components included in the project structure.

Overall, this funding opportunity is aimed at quickly advancing the science behind neurological consequences of COVID-19 by supporting exploratory, mechanism-driven, and potentially translational studies that can identify targets for prevention or treatment of neuro-PASC and related complications. The emphasis is on innovation and scientific payoff, particularly where projects can clarify why neurological symptoms occur, why they persist in some people, and what actionable pathways could be leveraged to reduce long-term neurological burden following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Understanding Neurological Effects of COVID-19 and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.853, 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-03-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-02-02. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $275,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA NS 23 022

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