Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan - Exploratory Grants is sponsored by Fogarty International Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) (NIH). This program supports neuro-health research and aims to catalyze and strengthen collaborative research on the brain and nervous system.

Expired PAR-21-311: Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) This notice has expired. Check the NIH Guide for active opportunities and notices. Department of Health and Human Services Part 1.

Overview Information Participating Organization(s) National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) Components of Participating Organizations Fogarty International Center ( FIC ) National Eye Institute ( NEI ) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development ( NICHD ) National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders ( NIDCD ) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ( NIEHS ) National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Funding Opportunity Title Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional) R01 Research Project Grant Notices of Special Interest associated with this funding opportunity January 10, 2023 - Notice of Information to Expire the PAR-21-311, Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional).

See Notice NOT-TW-23-001 NOT-OD-23-012 Reminder: FORMS-H Grant Application Forms and Instructions Must be Used for Due Dates On or After January 25, 2023 - New Grant Application Instructions Now Available NOT-OD-22-190 - Adjustments to NIH and AHRQ Grant Application Due Dates Between September 22 and September 30, 2022 February 9, 2022 - Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01 Clinical Trials Optional).

See Notice PAR-22-097 . October 28, 2021 - Reminder: FORMS-G Grant Application Forms & Instructions Must be Used for Due Dates On or After January 25, 2022 - New Grant Application Instructions Now Available. See Notice NOT-OD-22-018 .

September 13, 2021 - Updates to the Non-Discrimination Legal Requirements for NIH Recipients. See Notice August 5, 2021 - New NIH "FORMS-G" Grant Application Forms and Instructions Coming for Due Dates on or after January 25, 2022. August 5, 2021 - Update: Notification of Upcoming Change in Federal-wide Unique Entity Identifier Requirements.

See Notice NOT-OD-21-170 April 20, 2021 - Expanding Requirement for eRA Commons IDs to All Senior/Key Personnel. See Notice NOT-OD-21-109 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number Companion Funding Opportunity Exploratory/Developmental Grants See Section III. 3.

Additional Information on Eligibility . Assistance Listing Number(s) 93. 989, 93.

173, 93. 867, 93. 242, 93.

113, 93. 865, 93. 866, 93.

853 Funding Opportunity Purpose This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages grant applications for the conduct of innovative, collaborative research projects with low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions/ scientists on brain and other nervous system function and disorders throughout life, relevant to LMICs.

Research on neuro-health and neurological, neuromuscular, sensory, neuropsychiatric, cognitive, behavioral and neurodevelopmental function and disorders may span the full range of science from basic to clinical to translation and implementation research. Scientists in the United States (U.S.) or upper middle-income countries (UMICs) are eligible to partner with LMIC institutions.

Scientists in UMICs may partner directly with scientists at other LMIC institutions with or without out a US partner. Income categories are defined by the World Bank at http://data. worldbank.

org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups . The collaborative research programs are expected to contribute to the long-term goals of building and strengthening sustainable neuro-health research capacity in LMICs to address brain, nervous system and neuromuscular development, function and impairment throughout life and to lead to diagnostics, treatments, prevention and implementation strategies.

The proposed work will also contribute to developing a base for research networking and evidence-based policy beyond the specific research project. R01 Applications must be relevant to the mission of one of the participating ICs other than FIC. Applicants for this R01 should consult with the listed IC staff contact(s).

Confirmation of interest from at least one NIH IC, other than FIC is strongly encouraged , before applying. . Open Date (Earliest Submission Date) Letter of Intent Due Date(s) 30 days prior to the application due date Renewal / Resubmission / Revision (as allowed) All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

All types of non-AIDS applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on the listed date(s). 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.

New Date January 10, 2023 (Original Date: December 12, 2023) per issuance of NOT-TW-23-001 Required Application Instructions It is critical that applicants follow the instructions in the Research (R) Instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide ,except where instructed to do otherwise (in this FOA or in a Notice from NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts ).

Conformance to all requirements (both in the Application Guide and the FOA) is required and strictly enforced. Applicants must read and follow all application instructions in the Application Guide as well as any program-specific instructions noted in Section IV . When the program-specific instructions deviate from those in the Application Guide, follow the program-specific instructions.

Applications that do not comply with these instructions may be delayed or not accepted for review. Part 1. Overview Information Part 2.

Full Text of Announcement Section I. Funding Opportunity Description Section II. Award Information Section III.

Eligibility Information Section IV. Application and Submission Information Section V. Application Review Information Section VI.

Award Administration Information Section VII. Agency Contacts Section VIII. Other Information Part 2.

Full Text of Announcement Section I. Funding Opportunity Description This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages applications proposing innovative, collaborative research projects on global neuro-health including brain and other nervous system function and disorders throughout the life-span, relevant to low and middle income countries (LMICs).

This includes, but is not limited to, neurological, neuromuscular, mental, cognitive, sensory, developmental and behavioral disorders and spans the full range of science approaches from basic to clinical, translation and implementation research.

These research programs are expected to contribute to the long-term goals of building sustainable neuro-health research capacity and research in LMICs ultimately leading to diagnostics, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and implementation strategies.

The proposed research must be relevant to the interests of one of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), other than FIC, as stated in this FOA and consultation with the appropriate IC contact is strongly recommended. Applications must be submitted as collaborations between LMIC investigators/institutions and the U.S. (or the UMIC category of LMICs) and LMIC investigators/institutions.

An R01 application under this FOA must continue to build on already established research, research collaborations and research capacity building activities at the LMIC site(s). Applicants who need time and funding to develop research collaborations in the LMIC(s) and to identify research capacity needs and activities, and to conduct pilot studies, are encouraged to apply first to the companion R21 FOA PAR-21-319 .

During the past decades, improvements in health care have led to a decrease in mortality (including and especially among children) and an increase in life expectancy in LMICs.

These positive trends have set the stage for a complex and paradoxical epidemiology of health and disease as more children survive past age 5, into adulthood and more survive into advanced age with their neuro-health affected by the sequelae of combined early illness, malnutrition and adverse environment and experiences.

In addition to their immediate effects, these exposures may also advance the onset and severity of chronic neurological diseases and disorders, including cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders, in later life.

Social and -economic factors, such as chronic adversity associated with poverty, war and conflict, stigma and gender inequalities, contribute to the initial risk factors and causes (such as injury, psychological trauma, genetic vulnerability and infection) of many nervous system disorders.

These disorders, in turn can create a negative feedback loop handicapping the physical and cognitive ability of individuals and their societies to address the root causes of diseases, disorders and their risk factors. The biological and and social effects may extend for generations.

According to a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of disease, neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. In the past decades, the absolute numbers of deaths and people with disabilities owing to neurological diseases have risen substantially, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries.

Globally, the burden of neurological disorders, as measured by the absolute number of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs, a measure of overall disease burden, expressed as the number of years lost due to ill-health and disability or early death) , continues to increase.

As populations grow and age, and the prevalence of major disabling neurological disorders steeply increases with age, governments face increasing demand for treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. The scarcity of established modifiable risks for most of the neurological burden demonstrates that new knowledge is required to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Chronic and acute disorders of the nervous system, e.g. stroke and neurodegenerative disorders and dementias such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s Disease, combined with diseases affecting the nervous system, such as cerebral malaria, in aggregate contribute the most to the global burden of non-communicable diseases and disorders (NCDs) related illness, disability and death They also contribute about a third of the burden due only to NCDs in LMICs.

Additional leading causes of years lived with disability (YLDs) include mental and behavioral disorders, especially unipolar depression and bipolar affective disorder, substance-use, alcohol-use disorders, schizophrenia and cognitive deficits.

Mental, alcohol and substance use disorders were ranked as the 3rd leading contributors to the burden of disease when the burden attributable to suicide (which is a leading cause of death in many regions) is also considered. Depression, the most common psychiatric disorder, accounts for the largest proportion of suicide-related DALYs.

Poor maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions (including anemia) along with communicable diseases still contribute disproportionately to Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), in LMICs as compared to high-income countries. These conditions may also lead to impairment of nervous system development, function and long-term neuro-health.

Infectious and parasitic diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other neglected tropical diseases as well as emerging diseases such as Zika and Covid, are a burden for LMICs, where they continue to be important causes of YLDs by themselves and due to their long-term effects on the nervous system, especially of children.

However, very limited data is available on the epidemiology, natural history and pathogenesis of neurological problems caused by these diseases and associated opportunistic infections and co-morbidities in these settings. The incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders and related cognitive disorders (such as mental retardation, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities and cerebral palsy) is less well characterized in LMICs.

However, many of the root causes of developmental disabilities including genetic and nutritional factors, infectious diseases, environmental toxins, and traumatic events (both pre- and post-natal) are particularly common in resource-poor countries, and their prevalence is high.

Early neurodevelopmental disorders, along with disability due to postnatal injury or insult to the brain and central nervous system during infancy or childhood, are clearly a heavy burden in LMICs. Disability from disease and injury and the need for rehabilitation and accommodation will be an increasingly heavy burden on all health systems.

The Global Burden of Disease analyses and updates have put an important spotlight on nervous system related chronic disability (and its particularly heavy toll on women) from, for example, mental health disorders, substance abuse, musculoskeletal disease, accidents, chronic pain and loss of vision and hearing. Chronic pain, especially of the neck and back, is also now recognized for its large contribution to the burden of disability.

Neurological disorders such as epilepsy, migraine, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis make smaller but significant contributions. Stroke and perinatal asphyxia, with neurological complications, are also a significant problem in LMICs particularly since some of the causative factors of stroke such as hypertension are both increasing and poorly treated in LMICs as compared to high-income countries.

Overall, the burden of neurological, mental, behavioral and substance use disorders together is expected to rise worldwide, as a proportion of the global burden of disease and disability, because of the projected increase in the number of individuals entering the ages of risk for the onset of many such disorders. Humans are living longer and birth rates are down.

As recently as 1950, about 5% of the people in the world were over 65 and about 15% under 5. Those age demographics are on track to reverse by 2050. Direct attention to research on diseases and disorders of later life is therefore needed.

But the rise of these disorders is expected to be steeper in LMICs, because of the continuing and long-lasting contributing effects of early life trauma, infectious disease and malnutrition and inadequate health care, further highlighting the need for research on the influence and impact of early health/illness/treatment, experience and environment on development of those diseases and disorders, across the lifespan.

These problems pose a greater burden on vulnerable groups such as people living in poverty, those coping with disease, and those exposed to emergencies.

For example, disaster, war and conflict situations are especially prevalent in LMICs may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which affects a substantial proportion of the overall population exposed to such conditions and may lead to persistent dysfunction on top of already existing disorders.

In addition, stigmatization and gender inequality amplify many of the key risk factors for nervous system disorders and contribute to poor access to and quality of treatment. Inadequate health care systems and lack of adequate prevention and treatment in LMICs are major contributors to the burden of disease and disability.

In some countries, the overall physician-patient ratio can be low as 1:20,000, with even fewer psychiatrists and neurologists. Some disabling brain disorders are readily treatable at low cost, and yet many in LMICs suffer untreated with detrimental individual, family, and societal consequences.

For example, epilepsy is a common brain disorder that disproportionately affects people in LMICs (roughly 85 percent of the total number affected worldwide). Although inexpensive and effective treatments are available, epilepsy is frequently untreated and even unrecognized in LMICs, often because of stigmatization and lack of knowledge.

For such disorders, implementation science that integrates social and cultural factors into education, media, policy and behavior change research is especially needed and appropriate. Prevention of disability due to neurological impairment from adverse or toxic environmental exposures is possible in many situations with appropriate research leading to knowledge and interventions.

For example, research to identify neurotoxins and their mechanisms can be combined with interventions to minimize human exposure by a reduction in use or release to the environment and by appropriate safeguards in occupational settings. More information is needed on co-morbidities among nervous system disorders, and between these disorders and other chronic NCDs.

Many of these conditions exist together in LMICs and are likely to have more severe and complicated effects than any in isolation and often extend beyond the individual affected (for example both maternal depression and malnutrition are risk factors for infant stunting which itself is a risk factor for later chronic disease with epigenetic effects that may extend to the next generation).

Research on the social and economic impact of neurological, psychiatric, and developmental disorders is needed to inform interventions, implementation and policy. Research is also needed to further define the burden and identify knowledge gaps, needs, opportunities and methods to effectively reduce the burden and to lay the groundwork for developing and testing interventions.

Applicants are encouraged to refer for more background to publications summarizing the state of knowledge on the burden of nervous system disorders around the world including but not limited to the following: Disease Control Priorities Related to Mental, Neurological, Developmental and Substance Abuse Disorders (contains five chapters from the Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, second edition, World Health Organization 2006, ( https://apps.

who. int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/43565/924156332X_eng. pdf;sequence=1 ).

Also for updates see Global Burden of Disease and Risk Factors Report, DCP2, 2006 ( http://www. dcp-3. org/dcp2 ) and Mortality and global health estimates-who.

int ( www. who. int/data/gho/data/themes/mortality-and-global-health-estimates) , the Global Burden of Disease 2010 ( http://www.

who. int/pmnch/media/news/2012/who_burdenofdisease/en/ ) and Global, regional, and national burden of neurological disorders,1990-2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 ( https://doi. org/10.

1016/S1474-4422(18)30499-X ) and special resources at https://www. fic. nih.

gov/ResearchTopics/Pages/neurological-mental-disorders-diseases. aspx including the FIC/NIH convened series of papers: " Brain disorders across the lifespan: Research to achieve nervous system health worldwide ", Nature supplement, Nov 19, 2015 ( http://www. nature.

com/nature/supplements/collections/npgpublications/brain-disorders/index. html ). Research topics for this FOA are related to brain, other nervous system and neuromuscular function and/or impairment across the lifespan and across generations, and must be relevant to the collaborating LMICs.

Applicants are especially encouraged to propose research on co-morbidities and conditions that affect nervous system function across the lifespan. Relevant research for these applications may range from basic science to epidemiological, clinical, health services, translational (e.g. translation of basic research to therapy and of clinical research to applications in the field) and implementation research.

Applicants may propose a research and capacity building program on some aspect of neuro-health, brain, other nervous system or neuromuscular function and/or impairment at any stage of life.

Examples of brain, other nervous system and neuromuscular disorders contributing to the burden of disease in LMICs and relevant to this FOA include, but are not limited to, neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism, cerebral palsy, fetal alcohol syndrome, learning disabilities, hydrocephaly, microcephaly), neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophies and inherited or acquired peripheral neuropathies), neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases), addictive disorders, seizure disorders (such as epilepsy), neuropsychiatric disorders (such as unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), post-traumatic stress disorder, dementias, encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathies, sensory and motor neuron diseases.

Examples of influences on nervous system function across the lifespan include, but are not limited to: genetic predispositions and epigenetic changes in response to pre-, peri- and post-natal trauma and environmental factors (such as maternal depression, in-utero drug and alcohol exposure, neurotoxic insults, perinatal hypoxia, child abuse and neglect, inadequate environmental stimulation, and nutritional deficiencies), physical and psychological trauma (exposure to violence, sexual and physical abuse, traumatic nervous system injury due to violence and accidents), infection of the nervous system by bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases (such as Zika, COVID, HIV/AIDS, malaria, neurocysticercosis, neonatal sepsis) and stroke.

Other factors affecting healthy brain development include access to appropriate health care, environmental and socioeconomic factors.

Examples of some cross-cutting areas for research are: Ethnographic studies and other areas of social science, particularly to address health systems, availability of resources, preventive or screening practices, and appropriate interventions within a given society or group; Gender and socio-cultural and economic factors in the etiology, prevention and treatment of the disorders to be addressed; Sex differences at all levels of brain and nervous system function and disorders; The influence of socio-cultural or other environmental variables on the natural history of common neurological diseases/disorders and how this knowledge can be used for treatment and intervention; Factors associated with aging affecting cognitive, emotional/mental and physical health and survival in older persons along with interventions and treatments; Co-occurring risk factors or conditions, especially common in the LMIC or region (e.g. neuro-toxic or traumatic insult plus infectious disease and/or malnutrition); Mechanisms (e.g. neurotoxic, epigenetic) underlying genetic, physiological, environmental, social and economic factors and interactions that affect brain function or development and result in behavioral outcomes (e.g., expression of cognitive impairment, coping, adaptation, response to intervention); Genetic and environmental contributions to various psychiatric outcomes across diverse global populations Epidemiology: 1) Descriptive epidemiology to describe and define the problem in the countries in question by assessing the needs and determining the magnitude of factors involved in the problem to be addressed (e.g., research on trends in incidence, prevalence or mortality; distribution of disease; determination of population at risk; determination of case definition/disease classification).

2) Analytical epidemiology to identify potential etiological factors in the populations of interest, including factors responsible for predispositions to the neurological consequences of various infection and/or neurotoxins (e.g., identification of risk factors for neurological consequences of disease onset or progression; classification and measurement of exposure; magnitude and distribution of known risk factors).

Types of research relevant to this announcement include basic research and epidemiology, as well as translational research, research on diagnostics, early interventions, clinical treatment, prevention, and health services that are culturally appropriate, feasible, and acceptable for implementation within the LMIC.

This FOA encourages the development of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research and the capacity in the LMIC to conduct such research, relevant to the research question.

Expertise may involve, but is not limited to, fields such as genetics/epigenetics, epidemiology, neurology, cognitive neuroscience, developmental neurobiology, neuro-toxicology, neuro-endocrinology, pharmacology, psychiatry, neuro-immunology, neuro-virology, neurosurgery, neuro-rehabilitation and biotechnology (e.g., for development of diagnostic tools and treatments), as well as the behavioral and social sciences including health economics, health services and implementation science.

Research Capacity Building The proposed collaborative exploratory/developmental research is expected to help build the capacity for full research programs by improving the research environment and strengthening LMIC individual and institutional research capabilities in the proposed research areas.

The proposed work and follow up research are expected to contribute to the long-term goals of building sustainable research capacity in the full spectrum of brain and nervous system (including sensory and neuromuscular) diseases and disorders in LMICs. The proposed project may also contribute to the development of research networks and evidence-based policy.

For purposes of the research capacity building and networking encouraged in this FOA, and for background, applicants are also encouraged to use as a resource the compilation of the past awards under the past FOAs under the Brain Disorders in the Developing World: Research Across the Lifespan program ( http://www. fic. nih.

gov/Programs/Pages/brain-disorders. aspx ) along with the resources there including the symposium highlighting a decade of research under the program ( http://www. fic.

nih. gov/News/GlobalHealthMatters/january-february-2014/Pages/brain-disorders-program-10th-anniversary. aspx ).

Specific Research Interests of the FOA Sponsors Participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) provided specific statements of interest for this FOA below. Applicants can obtain more information on research interests for each of the NIH participants in this FOA at their websites and through their Scientific/Research contact listed in this announcement.

The proposed research must be relevant to the interests of one of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), (other than FIC). Applicants must consult with the IC contact listed in this FOA to verify interest.

The National Institute on Aging ( NIA ) is interested in applications relevant to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (ADRD), other degenerative diseases of the nervous system in aging, and/or age-related changes in cognitive, sensory, emotional and/or motor function, and in brain structural and functional connectivity at the cell, circuit, and network level.

Of interest also are studies on reducing disability and/or preventing or slowing additional decline among persons with cognitive, sensory, or motor disabilities as they continue to age. The studies may be laboratory-, clinic-, or population-based. Cross-cultural studies with data harmonization are welcome if focused on the topics above .

The National Eye Institute (NEI) is interested in applications relevant to its mission as stated on the NEI website: http://www. nei. nih.

gov/about/mission. asp . The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders ( NIDCD ) conducts and supports research in 7 scientific program areas: hearing, balance/vestibular, voice, speech, language, taste and smell.

The mission of the NIDCD is to reduce the burden of communicative disorders and improve public health. NIDCD is especially interested in applications that strengthen research capacity building & clinical intervention by otolaryngologists, audiologists, speech-language pathologists and related medical and health professionals.

Areas focused on newborn screening of hearing ability and early identification and treatment of voice, speech, and language delay or disorders are highly desirable. Normal hearing ability is central to development of effective verbal expression.

Communication disorders occur throughout the lifespan and can occur in isolation (e.g. hearing loss, stuttering) or may occur within the context of a hearing impairment or a neuro-developmental disorder (e.g. autism). Communication disorders may be heritable, due to in utero exposure, or result from injury, neurologic condition (e.g. stroke), head and neck cancer, or coexist with congenital physical conditions (e.g. cleft lip/palate).

Developing research capacity of a health-related workforce fluent in the languages spoken in the LMIC is a plus.

Applications from institutions within a geographic region which shares the same spoken language e.g. Latin America, Middle East and North Africa would offer nodes on which to build future regional networks for communication disorders or for the development of national and regional Centers of Excellence in Communication Sciences & Disorders.

NIDCD is interested in funding the development and implementation of epidemiological studies on the incidence, prevalence, and determinants of hearing impairment and other communication disorders across the lifespan, including risks associated with behavioral, demographic, environmental, genetic, or other health factors.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences ( NIEHS ) is interested in supporting research in LMICs to identify the causes of, and opportunities to prevent or ameliorate the consequences of neurotoxic insult to the nervous system throughout the lifespan.

Research in LMICs is encouraged in how exposures to toxic environmental insults alter biologic processes, are linked to disease initiation or progression, or affect the risk of either disease development or distribution in populations.

Examples of environmental exposures of interest include industrial chemicals or manufacturing byproducts, metals, pesticides, herbicides, air pollutants and other inhaled toxicants, particulates or fibers, fungal, food or bacterially derived toxins (but not infectious agents, per se) and indoor air pollutants from cooking stoves and other sources.

The National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ) encourages studies across the research spectrum, from basic through translational science to intervention development and efficacy, effectiveness, and implementation research. Mental disorders may be defined according to existing diagnostic criteria or along dimensions of neurobehavioral functioning according to the NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC ) framework.

If existing diagnostic criteria are to be used, investigators should include plans for addressing heterogeneity within the diagnostic category or categories.

All applications that propose clinical trials to develop or test preventive, therapeutic, or services interventions, including studies that test dissemination and implementation strategies, are encouraged to follow the NIMH’s experimental therapeutics approach to intervention development and testing (see NIMH Clinical Trials FOAs ).

It is recommended that investigators contact NIMH Scientific/Research staff well in advance of submitting applications to discuss the match to NIMH priorities.

Relevant research topics include, but are not limited to, research that: Charts the course of neuropsychiatric disorders over the lifespan in order to:(a) understand ideal times and methods for intervention to preempt or treat mental disorders and hasten recovery; (b) examine the interactions of neurobiological systems and environmental/social factors that affect brain development, resulting in maladaptive behavioral outcomes (e.g., cognitive impairment, inability to respond to intervention); or (c) identify molecular or circuit pathways of neural function that are promising new intervention targets.

Seeks to understand sex, genetic, or other biological differences implicated in the presentation, course, severity, or disease burden of mental disorders or in treatment response.

Identifying the genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disorders in under-represented, diverse populations, with a goal of promoting equity in Mental Health research and treatment Assesses new psychosocial and biomedical interventions, with a focus on mediators, moderators, and predictors(e.g., biological, genetic, behavioral, experiential, environmental) of intervention response and side effects in diverse patient populations.

Examines approaches to care for people with chronic, severe mental illnesses in institutional and community settings.

Examines implementation models and measures of care quality and outcomes that produce optimal results for: (a) early identification of mental disorders, (b) scaling up of training and supervision for mental health care providers, (c) integrating screening and core packages of care for mental illnesses into existing delivery platforms (e.g., primary health care, schools, HIV services, workplaces), or (d) delivering transdiagnostic interventions for mental disorders in health sector and non-health sector settings.

Assesses data collection and feedback models for monitoring the reach, accessibility, quality, costs, and/or effectiveness of preventive, treatment, or rehabilitative health services for mental disorders (e.g., how models enable data-driven decision-making for optimal delivery of care).

Targets HIV/AIDS related topics such as epidemiology, natural history and pathogenesis and genetics of HIV-associated CNS dysfunction and neuropsychiatric disorders before and after treatment initiation in adult and pediatric populations; examination of the neurobehavioral consequences, with respect to in-utero exposure to a dysregulated immune environment and/or antiretroviral medication and consequences of being born to an HIV-positive mother.

NIMH encourages development of common standardized assessment instruments with appropriate norms that can provide reliable and valid measurement of neurobehavioral consequences of HIV and its treatments throughout the age-span in low- and medium-resource environments; and develops interventions to improve neurobehavioral functioning compromised by HIV/AIDS and its associated conditions that can be implemented in LMICs.

NIMH encourages studies to understand the social and structural determinants of health related to human mobility which affect mental health and/or HIV outcomes.

NIMH also supports research toward a cure includingdeveloping novel approaches and strategies to identify and eliminate CNS viral reservoirs that could lead toward a cure or lifelong remission of HIV infection, including studies of viral persistence, latency, reactivation, and eradication.

NIMH would also like to encourage the NIMH mission centered research networks option as described in this FOA (see Section IV under: Networking and Communication for Research Capacity Building .

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ( NINDS ) has interest in supporting mechanistic, epidemiological, prevention, translational and clinical research across the spectrum of neurological, neuromuscular, neuroinfectious and neurovascular diseases and disorders in all ages.

In addition to prevalent neurological disorders and stroke, NINDS is also interested in supporting research and capacity building in areas of rare and neglected neurological diseases that are relevant to the collaborating LMICs (NINDS Disorder Index http://www. ninds. nih.

gov/disorders/disorder_index. htm ). NINDS encourages the development of networks in topical disease-related areas (e.g., stroke, epilepsy or other high burden neurological disorders in LMICs) or projects that are linked to existing programs or resources in LMICs (e.g., H3Africa, or other NIH-funded programs) to share capacity building activities and conduct collaborative research.

Applicants interested in clinical trials for neurological disorders within the NINDS mission, may also refer to NINDS clinical trial-specific funding announcements. See: https://www. ninds.

nih. gov/Current-Research/Research-Funded-NINDS/Clinical-Research NINDS encourages the reuse of Common Data Elements/Data Standards whenever appropriate. The following is a not exhaustive list of data standards and standardized instruments.

Applicants are encouraged to reuse standards developed by other recognized groups that are not funded by NIH: NINDS Common Data Elements https://www. commondataelements. ninds.

nih. gov/ Neuro-QoLTM (Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders) https://www. healthmeasures.

net/index. php? option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=148&Itemid=822 NIH Toolbox