[National Institutes of Health](https://www.nih.gov/)

February 27, 2026 (anticipated)

Funding details not yet specified; cooperative agreement (U01); award ceiling/floor not listed.

Supports fundamental research using invasive neural recording and stimulation in humans to advance understanding of human brain function.

This is a forecasted opportunity; application details and funding amounts will be finalized in the official NOFO.

--- ## Description The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), in collaboration with several NIH Institutes and Centers, intends to support research that leverages invasive neural recording and stimulating technologies in the human brain. This initiative aims to enable experimental investigations into fundamental aspects of human neuroscience—such as perception, memory, decision-making, language, emotion, and movement—by utilizing direct intracranial access during surgical procedures. The program encourages innovative, collaborative projects that combine expertise from clinical, scientific, engineering, data science, regulatory, and ethical domains. The overarching goal is to generate new insights into human brain function that are otherwise unattainable, with potential relevance to understanding and treating nervous system disorders. --- ## Due Dates - **Estimated Application Due Date:** February 27, 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Mechanism:** Cooperative Agreement (U01) - **Estimated Funding:** Not yet specified in the forecast; no stated ceiling or floor. - **Project Start Date:** Estimated December 1, 2026 - **Award Date:** Estimated November 1, 2026 --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Public and private institutions of higher education - State, county, city, or township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and other) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions) - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - U.S. territories or possessions - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Federal agencies - Non-domestic (foreign) entities Refer to the [official grants.gov listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360402) for the most up-to-date and detailed eligibility information. --- ## Application Process - This is a **forecasted opportunity**; applications are not yet being accepted. - The official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will be published to provide full application instructions. - Potential applicants are encouraged to use this advance notice to develop collaborations and prepare responsive projects. - The opportunity will use the U01 cooperative agreement mechanism, emphasizing collaborative and multidisciplinary research. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must focus on **basic experimental studies with humans** using invasive neural technologies. - Collaborative teams are strongly encouraged, drawing on expertise across clinical, scientific, engineering, data, regulatory, and ethical fields. - The program is part of the BRAIN Initiative and is supported by multiple NIH institutes. --- ## External Links - [NIH BRAIN Initiative](https://braininitiative.nih.gov/) - [Grants.gov opportunity listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360402) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Hermon R. Gebrehiwet, Dr.P.H., CCRP | [BRAINResOppHu@ninds.nih.gov](mailto:BRAINResOppHu@ninds.nih.gov) | 240-328-8371 |

BRAIN Initiative: Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (U01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)

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