[Brain Research Foundation](https://www.thebrf.org)

May 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

$150,000 total over 2 years per award

Supports innovative neuroscience research in established labs, targeting bold projects that advance understanding or treatment of brain diseases and disorders.

Institutional invitation required; only associate/full professors eligible as PI.

--- ## Description The Scientific Innovations Award from the Brain Research Foundation is designed to support creative and high-risk neuroscience research projects in established laboratories. The program specifically seeks bold, cutting-edge studies that may be too speculative for traditional funding mechanisms but have the potential to yield significant advancements in the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of brain diseases, disorders, or development and learning. Projects funded are expected to be led by distinguished investigators and to drive major scientific progress in the field of neuroscience. --- ## Due Dates - May 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award provides $150,000 in total funding, distributed over a two-year period. - Funding is intended for innovative projects that may not yet be competitive for larger, traditional grants. --- ## Eligibility - The Principal Investigator (PI) must be an **associate professor or full professor** conducting research in neuroscience. - Applications are accepted **by institutional invitation only**; your institution must receive a direct invitation from the Brain Research Foundation to participate. - The PI’s laboratory should be well-established and recognized for excellence in neuroscience research. - Projects should be innovative, potentially high-impact, and may be considered too speculative for other funding sources. --- ## Application Process - Only invited institutions may submit applications; check with your institution’s research office for eligibility. - The application process typically opens in April of the award year. - Proposals must be submitted via the [BRF application portal](https://research.thebrf.org/). - Refer to the annual [SIA Guidelines](https://www.thebrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2026_SIA_Guidelines.pdf) and [Institutional Eligibility Requirements](https://www.thebrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Institutional-Eligibility2022.pdf) for detailed instructions and requirements. --- ## Additional Information - Projects funded in past cycles have covered a broad range of neuroscience topics, including brain regeneration, social behavior, perception, neurodevelopment, and novel therapeutic approaches. - The award is intended to foster research that could lead to major grant applications or significant publications. --- ## External Links - [Scientific Innovations Award Program Page](https://www.thebrf.org/scientific-innovations-award/) - [Application Portal](https://research.thebrf.org/) - [2026 SIA Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.thebrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2026_SIA_Guidelines.pdf) - [Institutional Eligibility Requirements (PDF)](https://www.thebrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Institutional-Eligibility2022.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@theBRF.org | | Phone | 312.759.5150 | | Online Contact Form | [Contact BRF](https://www.thebrf.org/contact-us/) |

Scientific Innovations Award - Brain Research Foundation

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