Lucidity in Dementia (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Optional) | RFA AG 20 017

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA AG 20 017

The Lucidity in Dementia (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Optional) funding opportunity (RFA-AG-20-017) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program in the health area (CFDA 93.866) aimed at building a stronger scientific foundation around the phenomenon of lucidity in people living with dementia. The central purpose is to move the field beyond anecdotal reports by supporting an initial wave of research that can define, measure, and better understand episodes of lucidity, including when they occur, what they look like, what factors might be associated with them, and how they can be studied rigorously. The program explicitly invites retrospective studies (using existing records, caregiver accounts, clinical documentation, or previously collected datasets) and prospective studies (following individuals forward in time to capture and characterize lucidity as it happens). The overall intent is to generate data and methods that make future, larger studies possible and more precise.

A key structural feature of this opportunity is the use of the R21/R33 phased innovation mechanism. In practical terms, this means applicants are expected to propose a two-part project. The first phase (R21) supports exploratory and developmental work, such as refining definitions and conceptual models of lucidity, developing or pilot-testing assessment tools and protocols, establishing feasibility of recruitment and data collection approaches, and gathering early evidence to justify expansion. The second phase (R33) is designed for the “next step” after feasibility is shown, allowing investigators to scale up or broaden the work into more robust, expanded aims. This could include larger samples, more intensive or longer follow-up, improved measurement approaches validated in the R21, or multi-site implementation depending on what the early phase demonstrates. The phased design signals that NIH expects innovation and uncertainty early on, paired with a clear plan for how initial findings will transition into a more definitive study if pre-specified milestones are met.

The “Clinical Trial Optional” designation indicates that projects may include clinical trial elements, but they do not have to. In other words, researchers can propose observational work focused on naturalistic episodes of lucidity, measurement development, qualitative or mixed-methods designs, and other non-interventional approaches, or they can propose interventional studies if the research questions and design meet NIH’s definition of a clinical trial. This flexibility is important for a topic like lucidity in dementia, where the field may still be developing shared definitions, reliable detection methods, and ethical and practical approaches for studying the phenomenon in real-world settings.

Eligibility is broad and intentionally inclusive. Standard eligible applicants listed include a wide range of public entities (state, county, city/township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities), higher education institutions (public/state-controlled and private), Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized governments), nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education as specified), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. In addition, the announcement highlights “Other Eligible Applicants,” emphasizing participation from diverse and community-connected organizations and institutions. These include Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments other than federally recognized; eligible federal agencies; faith-based or community-based organizations; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This breadth suggests a strong interest in encouraging varied research perspectives, community partnerships, and studies that can address lucidity in different populations and care contexts.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is offered by NIH, was created on 2019-05-06, and had an original closing date of 2020-02-03. The listing does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards in the provided data, so applicants would typically look to the full FOA text or NIH budget guidelines for details on allowable costs, project period expectations, and any institute-specific budget caps. Overall, the program is positioned as a field-building investment: it supports early, methodologically grounded studies that can establish how to identify and examine lucidity in dementia, and then supports a planned expansion phase to deepen the evidence base and set up future research trajectories.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Lucidity in Dementia (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.866.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-05-06.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-02-03. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• 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 RFA AG 20 017

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