The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Assay Development and Screening for Discovery of Validated Chemical Hits for Brain Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" aimed at stimulating research in the discovery and development of novel small molecules for psychiatric disorders. The objective is to support the development and validation of screening assays that can lead to innovative biological models and screening techniques relevant to mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. This initiative is crucial for enhancing drug discovery processes and ultimately alleviating suffering from mental health disorders. Interested applicants, including various educational and nonprofit institutions, can submit proposals until May 7, 2026, with no cap on budgets, provided they reflect actual project needs. For further inquiries, applicants can contact NIH Grants Information at grantsinfo@nih.gov or visit the opportunity's webpage at https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-23-168.html.