BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools and New Approaches for Neuroscience Research
This grant will fund the development and validation of innovative tools and technologies to study and manipulate specific cells and circuits in the brain, aiming to advance our understanding of brain structure and function.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Estimated total program funding: $12,000,000; ~10 awards anticipated; typical project period and award size not specified.
Summary: Supports development and validation of innovative tools and approaches for investigating cell- and circuit-specific processes in the central nervous system.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not yet being solicited.
Description
This forecasted funding opportunity from the NIH BRAIN Initiative seeks applications for the development and validation of novel tools and new approaches to advance neuroscience research. The program aims to support projects that enable interrogation of cell-specific and circuit-specific processes in the central nervous system, consolidating several current BRAIN Initiative tool development programs.
Research areas of interest include:
- Development of novel tools to characterize and define cell types, circuits, and cellular components in the nervous system with greater selectivity and sensitivity.
- Creation of new genetic or non-genetic technologies for delivering genes, proteins, and chemicals to manipulate or access specific cells.
- Design of novel sensors or tracers for imaging or monitoring molecules, structures, and activities within single cells and circuits, with improvements in sensitivity, selectivity, or spatiotemporal resolution.
- New technologies for recording and modulating neural cells and circuits, using modalities such as optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic approaches.
- Approaches to address major challenges in understanding dynamic signaling in the central nervous system, including targeting neuronal electrical signals and non-neuronal cell engagement.
Projects at all stages of development are eligible, from early conceptualization to optimization of existing instrumentation, with an emphasis on transformative advances that overcome current technical barriers.
