BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (R61 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)

The BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain is a funding opportunity forecasted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The program will be issued by a consortium of NIH institutes, including the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the National Eye Institute, the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The NIH seeks to advance the BRAIN Initiative by fostering exploratory research in human neuroscience using invasive technologies. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support innovative exploratory research projects that utilize invasive neural recording and stimulation technologies during surgical procedures in humans. These procedures allow for direct access to record and stimulate neuronal activity within localized brain structures. The research aims to enhance understanding of how dynamic activity in neurons and neural networks underlies human sensations, perceptions, emotions, thoughts, memories, and observable behaviors. Funded projects should focus on feasibility studies and early-stage development efforts that could lead to more extensive future research supported by subsequent grant applications. Funding through this opportunity is intended for exploratory research and planning activities that make optimal use of opportunities arising from surgical access to the human brain. Proposed studies should be guided by theoretical frameworks and quantitative models where appropriate. The initiative also encourages projects that contribute to developing consensus standards of practice, including neuroethical considerations, and efforts to aggregate and standardize data for broader dissemination. Eligibility for this grant is broad and includes state governments, Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and non-federally recognized), county governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public and Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, private institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations (excluding small businesses), and small businesses. The grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds. Applicants are required to submit applications according to the estimated timeline provided. The expected post date for the Notice of Funding Opportunity is August 15, 2025, with applications due by September 15, 2025. Awards are anticipated to be made by June 29, 2026, with funded projects beginning around July 29, 2026. While the application package and specific application questions are not yet published, recipients will be expected to participate in a consortium working group led by NIH to advance the initiative’s collaborative goals. For further information about this funding opportunity, applicants may contact Dr. Merav Sabri at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Dr. Sabri can be reached by phone at 301-827-0908 or via email at BRAINeROH@ninds.nih.gov.