CCRP Initiative: NIH Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) Basic Research on Chemical Threats that Affect the Nervous System (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 24 030

FAQs: NIH CounterACT Basic Research on Chemical Threats that Affect the Nervous System (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) - PAR-24-030

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity under the Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) initiative. It supports basic, non-clinical-trial research on toxic chemical threats that affect the nervous system. The opportunity uses the NIH R01 grant mechanism and is identified as PAR-24-030.

2) What is the main goal of the program?

The main goal is to generate foundational scientific data on how harmful chemicals injure the nervous system and how that injury develops over time. The intent is to strengthen the knowledge base needed to enable better preparedness and response to chemical emergencies and to lay groundwork for future medical countermeasure development.

3) What types of chemical threats are in scope?

The scope includes toxic chemicals associated with chemical emergencies, whether from deliberate attacks (such as chemical warfare agents used in terrorism) or accidental releases tied to industrial manufacturing, storage, or transportation. This specific announcement emphasizes chemicals with primary or secondary neurologic effects.

4) What does "primary or secondary neurologic effects" mean in this context?

It means the nervous system may be the main target of the chemical's toxicity (primary) or may be impacted as part of broader systemic poisoning (secondary). In either case, the research focus is on neurologic injury and its mechanisms.

5) What kind of research is NIH looking for?

NIH is looking for basic, mechanistic research that clarifies how toxic chemicals harm the nervous system. Examples described in the opportunity include illuminating mechanisms of toxicity, identifying newly emerging or previously underappreciated manifestations of exposure, and pointing to targets that could eventually be used in medical countermeasure development.

6) What are examples of scientific questions or deliverables that fit this program?

Based on the description, appropriate projects may include work that: (a) explains molecular and cellular pathways disrupted by exposure; (b) determines why specific neural circuits or cell types are particularly vulnerable; (c) defines biomarkers or mechanistic signatures that could improve diagnosis or triage; and (d) uncovers intervention points that could support future therapeutics or neuroprotective strategies.

7) Is this opportunity intended to fund development of antidotes or treatments?

It is intended to support basic research that can enable smarter antidotes, neuroprotective strategies, or other countermeasures in the future. The funded work itself is positioned as foundational research rather than clinical testing of interventions.

8) What grant mechanism does this opportunity use?

This opportunity uses the NIH R01 mechanism, which generally supports discrete, hypothesis-driven research projects led by an investigator or investigative team.

9) Are clinical trials allowed under this opportunity?

No. The opportunity is explicitly designated "Clinical Trial Not Allowed." Applications need to remain within the boundaries of basic or preclinical research and must not propose activities that meet NIH's definition of a clinical trial for this particular notice of funding opportunity.

10) Can a project still be translational even if clinical trials are not allowed?

Yes. The opportunity indicates projects can be highly translational in the sense of identifying therapeutic targets or generating data that informs countermeasure development, as long as the project does not cross into clinical trial territory under NIH definitions for this announcement.

11) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. domestic organizations and governments. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; 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; and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments.

12) Are nonprofits eligible?

Yes. The opportunity includes nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education).

13) Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. The opportunity includes for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and it also includes small businesses as eligible applicants.

14) Are public housing authorities eligible?

Yes. Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are listed as eligible applicant types.

15) Are specific institution types highlighted as eligible?

Yes. The notice highlights additional eligible categories including 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).

16) Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are included among the eligible applicant categories listed.

17) Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?

Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are included among the eligible applicant categories listed.

18) Can federal government agencies apply?

Yes. Eligible federal government agencies are explicitly listed among eligible applicant categories.

19) Are foreign organizations eligible to apply as the main applicant?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply.

20) Can a U.S. applicant include foreign collaborators or foreign performance sites?

Yes, in limited circumstances. The opportunity states that foreign components are allowed as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement. In practical terms, a U.S.-based applicant may include certain foreign collaborations or performance sites when well-justified and consistent with NIH policy, but the foreign organization cannot serve as the primary applicant.

21) What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is PAR-24-030.

22) Which NIH program or initiative is this associated with?

It sits within NIH's Countermeasures Against Chemical Threats (CounterACT) initiative, which aims to improve the nation's preparedness and response capabilities for chemical emergencies.

23) What is the funding instrument and category?

The funding instrument is a grant. The opportunity is described as a discretionary opportunity category, and the funding activity category is health.

24) What are the CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 93.853 and 93.855.

25) What is the maximum award amount listed?

The listed award ceiling is $300,000.

26) What are the key dates provided?

The posting (creation) date is 2024-06-20, and the original closing date provided is 2026-10-16.

27) What kind of investigator or team is this designed for?

This announcement is designed for investigators who can contribute rigorous, mechanistic neuroscience and toxicology research that improves understanding of neurologic injury from high-consequence chemicals and helps lay groundwork for future medical countermeasures.