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

The BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a forecasted funding opportunity issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically under the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The initiative is part of the broader Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, which aims to revolutionize the understanding of the human brain by developing and applying innovative technologies. This grant opportunity is a reissue of the previously published RFA-NS-22-049 and is designed to support specialized research projects that develop scalable technologies for mapping brain connectivity. These projects may address any portion of the pipeline, including tissue processing, imaging, alignment, segmentation and annotation, error correction, and integration into larger neuroscience data environments. While the focus of the BRAIN CONNECTS program is on humans, non-human primates, and mice, the use of other species is permissible for validation purposes if well justified. These specialized projects are expected to offer distinct competencies that complement existing BRAIN CONNECTS awards. Awards will be issued as cooperative agreements under the U01 funding mechanism, which implies significant involvement from NIH staff in the planning and implementation of funded projects. Funded research will become part of the larger BRAIN CONNECTS Network, a collaborative structure formed through prior funding announcements (RFA-NS-22-047 and RFA-NS-22-048) that supported mapping of neuronal projections and synaptic connections in various species. The network aims to develop the technological infrastructure needed to construct comprehensive wiring diagrams of the brain across multiple scales. The anticipated Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected to be officially published on June 2, 2025, with an application due date of September 1, 2025. Award decisions are projected to be made by June 1, 2026, and funded projects are expected to begin on the same date. This forecast allows potential applicants sufficient time to form partnerships, develop their proposals, and review past awards using NIH RePORTER. This proactive period is especially critical given the complexity and scope of the technologies and methodologies involved. Eligible applicants include a wide range of institutions and organizations such as state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education), public housing authorities, federally and non-federally recognized tribal entities, small businesses, and for-profit organizations. Additionally, NIH intramural research groups are also eligible to apply. For additional information or questions, applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Kari Johnson or Dr. Edmund Talley at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. They can be reached by phone at 301-496-1917 or via email at BRAIN-CONNECTS-Inquiries@nih.gov. Interested parties are advised to begin preparations well in advance of the publication date and to use all available tools and resources provided by the NIH to develop competitive and complementary proposals.