Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R01) | PAR 16 398

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 16 398

Engineering Next-Generation Human Nervous System Microphysiological Systems (R01) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) research grant opportunity that supports the development of advanced, human cell-derived microphysiological systems (MPS), sometimes described as organ-on-a-chip or tissue chip platforms, focused specifically on the nervous system. The core purpose is to push beyond simpler in vitro neural models by building next-generation systems that better reproduce the structure and function of real human neural circuits as they operate in the body. NIH is looking for platforms that more faithfully capture the complexity of the human brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system, and/or sensory end organs, with the long-term goal of enabling researchers to study higher-order functional impairments that are central to many challenging neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

The scientific emphasis of the announcement is on improving the physiological realism, or fidelity, of these models relative to existing approaches. That means applicants are expected to engineer systems that do more than keep neurons alive in a dish; they should better mimic in vivo-like circuit behavior and interactions among relevant human cell types. The FOA highlights nervous system domains that can include central nervous system circuitry (brain), spinal circuitry, peripheral nerve function, and sensory end organ circuits. By aiming for improved circuit-level function, these models are intended to make it easier to analyze complex functional deficits, which can be difficult to capture with traditional cell culture models and often are not fully predictive in animal models due to species differences.

This opportunity uses the R01 mechanism, meaning it is designed for substantial, hypothesis-driven or technology-development research projects that typically require a multi-year plan, well-justified aims, and rigorous validation strategies. The funding instrument type is a grant, and the opportunity is categorized as discretionary federal funding. It sits at the intersection of health and education-related federal research activity, as reflected by the funding activity category listed as Education, Health. Multiple CFDA program numbers are associated with the FOA (93.173, 93.242, 93.279, 93.853, 93.867), indicating that several NIH programs or institutes may be aligned with the scientific scope of the work.

A wide range of organizations are eligible to apply. Standard eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and federally recognized Native American tribal governments. The eligibility list also includes public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. In addition to those broad categories, the FOA explicitly calls out additional eligible applicant types, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), 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). It also notes eligibility for Indian/Native American tribal governments that are not federally recognized, expanding access for a wider set of tribal and Indigenous-serving entities.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is identified by Funding Opportunity Number PAR 16 398, was created on 2016-08-11, and lists an original closing date of 2020-01-07 in the provided source data. The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the information supplied, which typically means applicants must rely on the full FOA text and NIH institute-specific guidance for budget expectations and likelihood of multiple awards. Overall, the grant is aimed at catalyzing more predictive, human-relevant nervous system models that can support deeper functional studies of complex neurological disorders, with an emphasis on systems that better approximate real human circuit physiology rather than simplified cell culture readouts.

• 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 (R01)" 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, 93.867.
• 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.)
• 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 16 398

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