“Must I keep the title of the grant unchanged when applying for a renewal?”

No. While it is often best to keep the same title, use a different title if it's a better fit. Your title should reflect the new Specific Aims you are proposing.

If you change your title, mention it in your cover letter and check the box indicating that your application is a renewal on the SF 424 Form and PHS 398 Checklist (the last page) of the grant application. That way, we will know that the title is new, but the application is a renewal.

Learn more about submitting a competitive renewal application at Apply for a Renewal.