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

September 1, 2025 (anticipated)

Award size and total funding TBD; previous rounds supported multi-year U01 awards for technology development.

Supports development of scalable technologies to map brain connectivity across scales as part of the BRAIN Initiative’s CONNECTS program.

This is a forecasted opportunity; the NOFO is expected June 2025 with applications due September 2025.

--- ## Description This forthcoming opportunity, part of the NIH BRAIN Initiative, will fund specialized projects (U01 mechanism, clinical trial not allowed) focused on developing scalable technologies for brainwide mapping of neural connectivity. Projects can address any part of the pipeline—tissue processing, imaging, alignment, segmentation, annotation, error correction, or integration into broader neuroscience data environments. While the primary focus is on human, non-human primate, and mouse brains, other species can be used for validation if scientifically justified. Funded projects will become part of the BRAIN CONNECTS Network, a coordinated consortium aimed at generating wiring diagrams that span entire brains at multiple scales. The overarching goal is to advance the research capacity and technical capabilities needed for comprehensive neural connectivity mapping through iterative technology development and innovation. --- ## Due Dates - **Anticipated Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) Publication:** June 2025 - **Anticipated Application Due Date:** September 1, 2025 These are forecasted dates; applicants should monitor official NIH notices for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated Total Funding:** To be determined (TBD) - **Expected Number of Awards:** TBD - **Award Ceiling:** TBD - **Award Duration:** Previous rounds supported multi-year U01 cooperative agreements. Specific award amounts and durations will be detailed in the forthcoming NOFO. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Public and private institutions of higher education - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status (other than higher education) - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - State, county, and local governments - Independent school districts - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Native American tribal governments and organizations (federally recognized and other) - U.S. territories and possessions - NIH Intramural researchers - Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and regional organizations **Note:** Final eligibility details will be specified in the published NOFO. --- ## Application Process - This is a **forecasted opportunity**; applications are not yet being solicited. - The official NOFO is expected in June 2025, with a submission deadline anticipated for September 1, 2025. - Applicants are encouraged to: - Review the previous NOFO [RFA-NS-22-049](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-NS-22-049.html) for context. - Use [NIH RePORTER](https://reporter.nih.gov/) to identify and complement existing BRAIN CONNECTS awards. - Begin developing collaborations and project concepts in anticipation of the NOFO release. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should offer distinct capabilities that complement the current BRAIN CONNECTS portfolio. - The first five years of the program emphasize technology innovation, iterative engineering, and integration with the broader neuroscience data environment. - Successful applicants will join the BRAIN CONNECTS Network, contributing to a coordinated effort for large-scale brain connectivity mapping. --- ## External Links - [NIH BRAIN Initiative](https://braininitiative.nih.gov/) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/356205) - [Notice of Intent to Reissue (NIH Guide)](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-NS-24-130.html) - [Previous NOFO RFA-NS-22-049](https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-NS-22-049.html) - [NIH RePORTER](https://reporter.nih.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Affiliation | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Kari Johnson, PhD | [BRAIN-CONNECTS-Inquiries@nih.gov](mailto:BRAIN-CONNECTS-Inquiries@nih.gov) | 301-496-1917 | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) | | Edmund Talley, PhD | [BRAIN-CONNECTS-Inquiries@nih.gov](mailto:BRAIN-CONNECTS-Inquiries@nih.gov) | 301-496-1917 | NINDS |

Forecast for BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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