NeuroNEXT

Who is eligible to apply? ANYONE! We have several funding mechanisms and ROAs for academic and industry partners, and you do not have to be based at a NeuroNEXT site to submit. 

The first step is to complete the NeuroNEXT Clinical Study Concept Synopsis. This form helps us determine if your project is feasible within the Network. For more information on the submission process, or to submit a completed concept synopsis, please contact:

The initial determination of project suitability is made by NINDS. Your concept form will be reviewed by a Program Director at NINDS and, if it aligns with the mission and priorities of the institute, will be referred to the Network sites will be sent a questionnaire along with the concept synopsis of the proposal in which they gauge site interest, disease expert enthusiasm, and the ability of the project to meet an unmet need in the field of study. The responses to this questionnaire are then summarized by the NEC chair for NINDS consideration.

If NINDs determines your project is suitable for the network, the Program director will work with you to submit an initial Stage 1 submission for a review of Scientific rationale, pilot data, study design, go/No-Go criteria, asset details, and a budget estimate. The ROA for this Stage 1 can be found at the side of the page. NINDS and an Extramural Science Committee (ESC) review this information and either request revision or approve the Stage 1 application.

Once NINDS has approved your project at stage 1, you will be invited to submit a Stage 2 proposal with the NeuroNEXT CCC and DCC. Next the CCC and DCC will convene a Protocol Working Group (PWG) with clinical and statistical expertise, to collaborate with you on the proposed study. The PWG will help craft a final protocol and Stage 2 proposal that is optimized for NeuroNEXT; help you develop a suitable budget for the project, including per-patient costs; ensure that a member of the applicable patient advocacy group will be involved in the application; help ensure the availability of the drug or device and assist with all aspects of the supply chain management; confirm availability of the patient population at NeuroNEXT sites; ensure compliance with NIH policy and items outlined in the ROA, and develop a statistical design for your project. When the proposal is ready, the CCC is responsible for the Stage 2 application submission.

Working with NeuroNEXT is truly a collaborative process! We invest our full Network resources (and enthusiasm!) into suitable projects.

The NINDS, NEC and PWG do not make a determination as to the scientific merit of the proposal. Once the grant application is submitted, it undergoes review at an NINDS Special Emphasis Panel composed of members with appropriate expertise. Funding decisions are made based on the results of the peer review. Working with the Network on a proposal submission should not be considered a guarantee of approved funding.