BRAIN Initiative: Brain-Behavior Quantification and Synchronization Transformative Research on Behavior at the Organismal Level

The BRAIN Initiative: Brain-Behavior Quantification and Synchronization – Transformative Research on Behavior at the Organismal Level is a forecasted grant opportunity issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a key agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant is part of the broader Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, which represents a collaborative effort involving both federal and non-federal partners. The initiative aims to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain by accelerating the development and application of innovative neurotechnologies and fostering interdisciplinary research. This particular funding opportunity centers on the Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization (BBQS) Program. It seeks to support transformative research that can capture and model complex behavior at the organismal level within dynamic environments. The goal is to enable a high-resolution, multimodal understanding of how behavior and brain activity are interrelated. The research is expected to bridge sensing technologies and theoretical neuroscience, enabling the study of behavior and neurobiological function in a synchronously measured, ecologically valid context. The scope of funded work includes the development and validation of minimally intrusive sensing technologies that can measure multiple biobehavioral functions simultaneously, including but not limited to movement, peripheral physiological responses, and neural activity. The grant also emphasizes the tracking of environmental variables in parallel to behavioral data collection. These capabilities are crucial for the creation of analytic and computational tools that can generate new, testable models of brain-behavior interactions as dynamic systems influenced by their environments. Participation in consortium activities will be mandatory for awarded applicants, highlighting the collaborative and integrative nature of the BBQS program. While detailed submission instructions have not yet been provided, the grant notice anticipates a formal application open date of June 25, 2026, with full applications due by October 13, 2026. The estimated award and project start date is July 1, 2027, with funding expected to be distributed through cooperative agreements. The total funding available is approximately $8 million, and the NIH anticipates making up to 10 awards under this opportunity. Eligibility for this funding is broad and inclusive, extending to a wide range of applicant types including but not limited to state, local, and tribal governments; public and private higher education institutions; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit entities including small businesses; independent school districts; and public housing authorities. In addition, international institutions, regional organizations, U.S. territories, and faith- or community-based organizations are also eligible to apply. The grant is authorized under statutory provisions 42 U.S.C. 241 and 284 and 114 U.S.C. 255. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity. While the funding forecast does not yet include an attached PDF or detailed application packet, updates are anticipated as the estimated post date approaches. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the opportunity page for additional documentation and to prepare for submission once the full notice of funding opportunity is published.