The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to provide longer-term support, and increased freedom and flexibility, to Program Directors (PDs)/Principal Investigators (PIs), to allow them to redirect their time away from the administrative burden of writing and managing multiple grant applications and towards engaging in the lab. This Research Program Award (RPA) affords investigators at most career stages the opportunity to advance their long-term research goals, rigorously explore exciting research opportunities, and mentor students and postdoctorates, which support and align with the mission of NINDS. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects.  This NOFO will utilize the R35 activity code. This funding stability will provide eligible investigators increased security, allowing them to undertake research projects that require a longer timeframe or to embark upon research that breaks new ground. Research activities outside the NINDS mission, or traditionally supported by another NIH Institute or Center, will not be considered through this program.

Benefits of the RPA include:

• A more stable funding environment, facilitating the pursuit of longer-term research goals;
• Flexible funding, enabling investigators to pursue research opportunities as they arise, not tied to specific aims;
• Reduced time spent writing grant applications and managing multiple grant awards, allowing investigators to spend more time conducting and overseeing research;
• More time for PDs/PIs to mentor the biomedical workforce.

Nonprofit

• Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)
• Other Native American tribal organizations
• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)

Education

• Public and state institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts
• Private institutions of higher education

Government

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• Public and Indian housing authorities
• Special district governments

Miscellaneous

• Other

Business

• Small businesses
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses