NINDS Program Project Grant (P01) | PAR 17 251

FAQs: NINDS Program Project Grant (P01) - PAR-17-251

What is the NINDS Program Project Grant (P01) opportunity?

The NINDS Program Project Grant (P01) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-17-251) is an NIH discretionary grant mechanism from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). It supports large, coordinated research efforts in neurological science organized as an integrated program made up of multiple, closely related research projects.

What is the main purpose of this P01 program?

The purpose is to fund a set of interdependent research projects that work together to answer major scientific questions aligned with the NINDS mission. The program is intended for situations where organizing projects as one coordinated effort creates stronger scientific outcomes than funding the projects independently.

How is a P01 different from several separate R01-style projects in the same area?

This P01 is not meant for a collection of separate projects that simply share a general topic. It is meant for research where the projects truly benefit from being integrated, with shared scientific direction and meaningful collaboration that improves rigor, speed, or innovation compared to what each project could accomplish alone.

What does NINDS mean by "synergy" in this FOA?

Synergy means the combined program produces clear scientific advantages because investigators share concepts, methods, data, resources, or experimental pipelines in ways that materially strengthen the overall science. The expectation is that the integrated program will achieve more than the sum of its parts.

What kind of research does this FOA emphasize?

The FOA emphasizes "innovative, interactive" research. Applications are expected to propose ambitious scientific questions and a program structure that drives productive interaction across the component projects.

Does this FOA encourage multidisciplinary collaboration?

Yes. The opportunity is described as encouraging collaboration among outstanding scientists who might not otherwise collaborate, which signals an interest in multidisciplinary teams with complementary expertise that can tackle complex neurological problems.

What are the typical characteristics of a competitive P01 application under this FOA?

Based on the description provided, a competitive P01 application typically includes a unified scientific theme, multiple highly meritorious projects that are scientifically linked, and a plan demonstrating how collaboration, coordination, and possibly shared resources create added value beyond what would be obtained by funding each project independently.

Which agency and institute are offering this opportunity?

This is an NIH funding opportunity offered through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is PAR-17-251.

What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 93.853.

When was this announcement created and what is the original closing date?

The announcement was created on April 10, 2017, and the original closing date listed is January 24, 2018.

Is an award ceiling specified in the provided information?

No. The supplied text explicitly states that an award ceiling is not provided.

Is the expected number of awards specified?

No. The number of expected awards is not specified in the provided text.

How should applicants think about budget size if no ceiling is provided?

Because an explicit award ceiling is not provided and the expected number of awards is not specified, applicants may need to rely on the FOA details and NIH budgeting policies and shape a budget that is appropriate and justified for the scope of the proposed coordinated program. The supplied text also notes that discussions with NINDS program staff may help shape an appropriate budget.

Who is eligible to apply for this P01 opportunity?

Eligibility is broad and includes many categories typical under NIH research grant policies. 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; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) IRS status (when not an institution of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized, along with other entities captured under an "Others" category.

Does the FOA highlight eligibility for institutions serving underrepresented populations?

Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types 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); and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).

Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The FOA explicitly includes faith-based or community-based organizations among highlighted eligible applicant types.

Are U.S. territories or possessions included as eligible applicants?

Yes. The FOA highlights U.S. territories or possessions among eligible applicant types.

Are eligible federal agencies and regional organizations included?

Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights eligible federal agencies and regional organizations.

Can a foreign (non-U.S.) institution apply as the applicant organization?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions/organizations) are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization based on the provided information.

Can a non-domestic component of a U.S. organization apply?

No. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply as the applicant entity, according to the provided text.

Are any international elements allowed in the project?

Yes, in a limited way. "Foreign components" (as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement) are allowed, meaning a U.S.-based applicant may include scientifically justified elements that take place outside the United States if they meet NIH's definition and requirements and are properly described and justified.

What does it mean that "foreign components" are allowed?

It means the applicant organization must be U.S.-based and eligible, but parts of the research may occur outside the U.S. if those parts qualify as a foreign component under NIH policy and are compliant, justified, and appropriately described in the application.

What is the central expectation for project integration in this P01?

The application must demonstrate that the projects are not merely related by topic, but genuinely interdependent, with collaboration and integration built into the research strategy and overall scientific direction.

What is the overarching goal of the program in terms of scientific impact?

The goal is to enable major advances in neurological disorders and stroke-related research by supporting tightly linked projects that collectively address important, mission-relevant questions through a synergistic program rather than isolated efforts.