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 expected; typical project duration not specified.
Summary: Supports the development and validation of novel tools and approaches for interrogating cell- and circuit-specific processes in the central nervous system.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity; applications are not being solicited at this time.
Description
This upcoming opportunity from the NIH BRAIN Initiative is intended to support projects that develop and validate innovative tools and approaches for neuroscience research, specifically targeting cell-specific and circuit-specific processes in the central nervous system. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will consolidate three current BRAIN Initiative tool development programs, encouraging proposals that:
- Create new tools to characterize or define cell types, circuits, and cellular components with improved selectivity and sensitivity.
- Develop genetic or non-genetic technologies for delivering genes, proteins, or chemicals to manipulate cells of interest.
- Invent novel sensors or tracers for high-resolution imaging or monitoring within single cells and circuits.
- Advance new technologies for recording and modulating neural cells and circuits, using modalities such as optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic methods.
- Address major technical barriers and enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the brain.
Projects at all stages of development—from early conceptualization to optimization of existing instrumentation—are encouraged. Transformative, high-impact approaches that substantially improve current capabilities are especially welcome.
