Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R21) | PAR 16 397

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 16 397

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant opportunity titled Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R21) (Funding Opportunity Number PAR 16-397) supports early-stage, exploratory research aimed at building more advanced human cell-derived microphysiological systems (MPS). In practical terms, the FOA is looking for projects that create next-generation "miniaturized" or engineered human nervous system models that behave more like real human nervous tissue in the body. The emphasis is on improving biological and functional realism (fidelity) so these models can better capture the complexity of neural circuits and, ultimately, help researchers study higher-order functional problems seen in challenging brain and nervous system disorders.

The scientific scope centers on microphysiological systems representing the human brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, and/or sensory end organs, with a strong preference for systems that model circuit-level physiology rather than only isolated cell behavior. The goal is not simply to culture neurons, but to engineer platforms where human cells organize, connect, and function in ways that more closely mirror in vivo neural circuitry. By pushing MPS technology toward more lifelike neural circuit function, the FOA aims to enable researchers to analyze complex functional deficits that are difficult to study using traditional cell culture, animal models, or overly simplified in vitro systems.

This is an R21 mechanism, meaning it is structured for exploratory and developmental research rather than large, mature programs. R21 awards are typically used to test novel concepts, develop enabling technologies, or generate proof-of-concept data that can lead to larger follow-on studies. The listed award ceiling is $200,000. The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant and falls under the broad activity areas of education and health. It is associated with multiple CFDA numbers (93.173, 93.242, 93.279, 93.853), reflecting that more than one NIH institute or program area may be relevant to the topic.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and, notably, also allows foreign participation. Eligible applicants include state, county, city/township, and 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 other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those nonprofit categories); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as 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, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations). This mix signals an intent to encourage a wide range of institutions to contribute to the development of more predictive and functional human nervous system models.

Key administrative details included in the source information are the NIH as the funding agency, an original closing date of 2020-01-07, and a creation date of 2016-08-11. While the closing date indicates the specific posting is historical, the technical focus remains clear: advancing human cell-derived nervous system MPS platforms to better replicate real neural circuitry and to make it easier to investigate complex, higher-order functional impairments relevant to disorders of the brain and nervous system.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.173, 93.242, 93.279, 93.853.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2016-08-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-01-07. (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 $200,000.00 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 PAR 16 397

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