Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Development and Validation of Model Systems to Facilitate Neurotherapeutic Discovery (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

  • Start Date:

  • Deadline:

  • Agency:
    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, invites eligible researchers and institutions to apply for the Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE): Development and Validation of Model Systems to Facilitate Neurotherapeutic Discovery (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed), offered by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

This funding opportunity supports the development and validation of innovative model systems that can accelerate neurotherapeutic discovery for neurological and neuromuscular disorders.

Programme Overview
The IGNITE programme is designed to promote early translational research through the development of animal models and human or animal tissue ex vivo systems that closely replicate the phenotypic and physiological characteristics of defined neurological or neuromuscular disorders. The initiative aims to strengthen therapeutic discovery efforts and support the advancement of potential treatments for neurological diseases.

Key Details

  • Funder: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  • Award Type: Research – Project Grants & Innovation

  • Maximum Funding: Up to USD 499,000

  • Submission Deadline: 18 June 2026 (Applications due by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organisation)

Research Focus Areas

  • Development of animal models for neurological disorders

  • Human and animal tissue ex vivo systems

  • Neurotherapeutic discovery and translational research

  • Neurological and neuromuscular disease modelling

  • Validation of physiologically relevant disease systems

Projects should demonstrate strong potential to support therapeutic discovery and translational neuroscience research.

Eligibility

  • Open to eligible research institutions and organisations

  • Applicants should propose innovative and scientifically rigorous model systems relevant to neurological or neuromuscular disorders

Funding Scope

The grant supports:

  • Development and optimisation of disease models

  • Validation of translational research systems

  • Studies that improve understanding of neurological disease mechanisms

  • Early-stage neurotherapeutic discovery research

  • Collaborative and interdisciplinary neuroscience research initiatives

How to Apply

Applicants should review the full guidelines and submit their applications through the official NIH funding portal:
NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement

This funding opportunity offers researchers at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge advances in translational neuroscience and neurotherapeutic development.