Informational Webinar: NINDS Support of Neural Exposome Research

Why It Matters

By prioritizing neural exposome research, NINDS opens funding for studies that can translate environmental risk mitigation into tangible reductions in neurological disease burden, reshaping prevention strategies across the biomedical landscape.

Key Takeaways

• NINDS launches Highlighted Topic on neural exposome research funding.
• Multi‑disciplinary studies on environmental factors and brain health encouraged.
• R01, R21, and upcoming COMBINE mechanisms support exposome projects.
• Researchers must apply via NIH parent announcements, not directly to topics.
• Early contact with program officers increases application success chances.

Summary

The NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) hosted an informational webinar to introduce its Neural Exposome and Toxicology program and to outline new funding pathways for research that links environmental exposures to brain health. Dr. Neel Dhruv and Acting Director Dr. Shardell Spriggs explained the office’s three‑branch structure, the concept of the neural exposome, and how it expands beyond genetics to include chemical, biological, psychosocial, and lifestyle factors across the lifespan. Key points included the release of a Highlighted Topic (HT) in December focusing on neural exposome factors that affect neurological disorders, the emphasis on multi‑disciplinary teams, and the range of grant mechanisms available—traditional R01s for mature projects, R21s for exploratory work, and the forthcoming RM1 COMBINE program that encourages collaborative, high‑risk initiatives. The webinar also highlighted a recent two‑day workshop deemed “the best of 2026,” which covered vulnerable life‑stage exposures, model systems, and emerging biomarkers. Specific examples cited were the planned R61/R33 phased award targeting exposomic contributions to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and the recommendation that applicants use the Public Health Service Assignment Request Form to request NINDS review after contacting program officers. The presenters stressed that while applications must go through existing NIH parent announcements, early engagement with NINDS staff can facilitate a “warm handoff” to appropriate review panels. For investigators, the message is clear: the neural exposome is now a strategic priority across HHS and NIH, offering new avenues to secure funding for studies that can identify modifiable environmental risk factors, develop preventive interventions, and ultimately extend healthspan. Researchers are urged to review the Highlighted Topic, explore the workshop recordings, and reach out to NINDS program officers to align proposals with the institute’s mission.

Original Description

The Office of Neural Exposome and Toxicology Research (ONETOX) at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) supports research on the neural exposome — the integration of all physical, chemical, biological, and psychosocial modifiable factors experienced across the lifespan that affect brain health and disease.

Join ONETOX program staff to learn about neural exposome research opportunities at NINDS and get your questions answered about the application process.

0:00 Introduction & Housekeeping

1:30 ONETOX and Neural Exposome Introduction

6:36 NIH Highlighted Topics and Funding Opportunities

10:13 Training and Career Development Funding Mechanisms at NINDS

11:09 R01 and R21 Funding Mechanisms

13:28 RM1 COMBINE Forecasted Funding Opportunity

14:32 Neural Exposome ADRD Forecasted Funding Opportunity

15:36 Resources and Tips for Applicants & How to Direct Applications to NINDS ONETOX

22:24 Q&A