McKnight Neurobiology of Brain Disorders Award — 2027

Supports mechanistic research on neurological and psychiatric disorders, linking basic neuroscience with diagnosis, prevention or treatment. Interdisciplinary and environmental approaches are welcomed. Up to four three-year awards start July 1, 2027. Full applications close October 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. Central Time; there is no separate letter-of-intent stage in this round.

Independent investigators at US nonprofit research institutions with at least three years in tenured or tenure-track faculty roles (by September 2023); every co-PI must qualify. Research-track, adjunct, visiting and instructor titles are excluded. Institutions without professorial titles need a senior official’s independence confirmation. After two unsuccessful consecutive applications, wait one year. Applicants cannot apply to both McKnight schemes in one cycle or repeat the same award; earlier recipients of another scheme must finish that funding first.