Funding Opportunity Announcement for Impact of Environmental Exposures on Gut-Brain Signaling in Neurological Conditions (R01)

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research that builds on our understanding of the gut microbiome-brain axis for the purpose of identifying improved detection, prevention, and intervention strategies for environmental exposure-induced neurological diseases. Given the overlapping gut-brain signaling pathways and the prevalence of neurological conditions with gut-related comorbidities, the scope of this program would be inclusive of a wide range of neurological outcomes, including mental health disorders and chronic neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The objective of this program is to develop gut-focused intervention strategies (e.g., probiotics, microbial biomarkers, nutritional supplements and novel therapeutics) to decrease risk, slow progression, or possibly reverse these neurological condition(s). 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 R01 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of biological mechanisms underlying the effects of environmental exposures on neurological outcomes and the mediating role of the gut-brain axis are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO. In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in toxicology, microbiome, and neuroscience will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.

Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to stated program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and...