Computational Approaches for Validating Dimensional Constructs of Relevance to Psychopathology (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 21 263

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 263

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), is offering an R01 grant opportunity titled "Computational Approaches for Validating Dimensional Constructs of Relevance to Psychopathology (Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR 21-263; CFDA 93.242). This announcement is a reissue of an earlier call (RFA-MH-19-242) and focuses on strengthening the scientific foundation of the NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. The central idea is to move beyond traditional diagnostic categories by rigorously testing whether the RDoC-style dimensional constructs (or closely comparable constructs defined using similar criteria) truly reflect how behavior, brain function, and psychopathology are organized in real-world data.

The FOA is specifically looking for research projects that use computational approaches to carry out broad, data-driven validation of constructs within the RDoC matrix. While the RDoC matrix has been updated over time, NIMH notes that a comprehensive, systematic validation effort that explores the structure of the matrix as a whole has not yet been done. Proposed projects are expected to examine whether different behavioral domains actually separate from one another in measurable ways, or whether they blend together more than the matrix implies. A major emphasis is on determining the extent to which domains and constructs depend on distinct neural circuits versus overlapping brain systems, and on mapping the relationships among domains, constructs, and more specific subconstructs both statistically (for example, their correlational structure) and biologically (for example, whether they share common circuitry or mechanisms).

A key expectation is that the computational work and the experimental or empirical components will be tightly integrated, rather than treated as separate tracks. In practice, that means applicants should not only propose sophisticated modeling, machine learning, or other computational strategies, but also show how those tools will be used in a way that directly informs measurement, experimental design, interpretation of neural and behavioral data, and ultimately the validation (or revision) of constructs. The goal is to test integrative models of functioning that can identify patterns of dysregulation linked to psychopathology-related mechanisms that cut across classic diagnoses and may shift over time, reflecting developmental change, illness progression, or other dynamic factors.

From a translational standpoint, NIMH frames the endgame as improving how mental illnesses are classified and treated. By establishing which dimensions are truly separable, which are intertwined, and which share biological substrates, the work supported under this FOA is intended to enable more biologically and behaviorally grounded classification approaches and to help identify treatment targets that may be missed when research is organized strictly around diagnostic labels. The hope is that this kind of computationally informed validation will contribute to interventions that are more precise, more timely, and ultimately more effective for people experiencing serious mental illness.

The opportunity is offered as a discretionary grant under the NIH R01 mechanism, with clinical trials listed as optional, meaning an applicant may propose a study that includes a clinical trial component if it is well-justified and fits the program goals, but it is not required. The listed award ceiling is $500,000, and the original closing date provided is 2023-09-25 (noting that applicants should always confirm current submission dates and any updates in the official posting and NIH application guides).

Eligibility is broad and includes many common applicant types such as state, county, and local governments; public and private institutions of higher education; independent school districts; special district governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where specified); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant 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), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), as well as tribal governments that are not federally recognized. This wide eligibility reflects NIMH's interest in drawing from diverse research environments and populations to strengthen the generalizability and real-world relevance of findings.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Computational Approaches for Validating Dimensional Constructs of Relevance to Psychopathology (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-07-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-09-25. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 21 263

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