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

April 2025 (application opens)

$150,000 over 2 years per award; typically supports 2-year neuroscience projects.

Supports innovative neuroscience research in established labs led by associate or full professors.

Institutional invitation required for eligibility.

--- ## Description The Scientific Innovations Award from the Brain Research Foundation is an annual grant program supporting creative, high-impact research in neuroscience. Designed for established research laboratories, this award seeks to fund projects that are too innovative or speculative for traditional funding but show strong potential for advancing knowledge about brain function, disease, disorders, development, and learning. The award has a history of enabling significant discoveries that lead to major publications and future grant successes. --- ## Due Dates - Anticipated application open date: April 2025 *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 over a two-year period. - Funds are intended to support innovative neuroscience research that may not yet be competitive for larger, traditional grants. --- ## Eligibility - The Principal Investigator (PI) must be an **associate or full professor** working in neuroscience. - Applications are **by institutional invitation only**. Your institution must have received a direct invitation from the Brain Research Foundation to participate. - Projects should be based in well-established research laboratories. - For detailed institutional eligibility requirements, see the [Institutional Eligibility Requirements PDF](https://www.thebrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Institutional-Eligibility2022.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Register or log in to the [BRF application portal](https://research.thebrf.org/register). - Only researchers from invited institutions may submit applications. - Prepare your application according to the [2026 SIA Guidelines](https://www.thebrf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2026_SIA_Guidelines.pdf). - Submit all required materials through the online portal after the application period opens. - Returning applicants can check the status or continue their application via the [researcher login](https://research.thebrf.org/). --- ## Additional Information - The award is intended for projects that are innovative and may be considered too speculative for traditional funding sources, but which are likely to yield important findings. - Previous awardees have produced high-impact research leading to significant publications and subsequent major grant support. - Only one proposal per invited institution may be submitted each year. --- ## External Links - [Scientific Innovations Award Program Page](https://www.thebrf.org/scientific-innovations-award/) - [2026 SIA Application 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) - [BRF Application Portal (Register/Login)](https://research.thebrf.org/) - [BRF Award Archive (Past Recipients)](https://www.thebrf.org/awards/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|------------------------------------------| | General Email | info@theBRF.org | | Phone | 312.759.5150 | | Contact Form | [Contact BRF](https://www.thebrf.org/contact-us/) |

Scientific Innovations Award - Brain Research Foundation

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