Forecast for BRAIN Initiative: Research Resource Grants for Technology Integration and Dissemination (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), in collaboration with various other Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), plans to issue a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the BRAIN Initiative: Research Resource Grants for Technology Integration and Dissemination. This opportunity, designated as U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed, is part of a broader initiative to support the dissemination and integration of validated neurotechnologies to the neuroscience community. Although applications are not yet being solicited, the forecast aims to give prospective applicants ample time to establish collaborations and develop competitive proposals. This initiative is supported by multiple NIH entities, including the National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and others. The funding opportunity seeks to bolster the BRAIN Initiative’s impact by promoting the rapid deployment and adoption of neuroscience tools and resources. The funding mechanism for this opportunity will be a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial NIH involvement in project execution. Although the estimated total program funding, award ceiling, and award floor amounts have not yet been provided, the projected award and project start dates are June 16, 2026. The funding activity aligns with the Health category, and no cost-sharing or matching is required from applicants. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, state and county governments, public housing authorities, independent school districts, tribal governments and organizations, institutions of higher education (both public and private), small businesses, and other for-profit organizations. This inclusive eligibility allows for wide participation in the dissemination and implementation of neuroscience technologies. The estimated posting date for the official NOFO is August 15, 2025, with applications due by October 16, 2025. As this is a forecasted opportunity, these dates are subject to change. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin planning and forming collaborative teams. The primary contact for the opportunity is Natalie Trzcinski at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, who can be reached via phone at 301-827-3860 or email at natalie.trzcinski@nih.gov. This forecasted NOFO supports the NIH's continued investment in brain research and aims to bridge the gap between technological development and widespread community adoption. By providing this early forecast, NIH encourages a proactive approach in proposal development for maximizing the utility of neuroscience tools across the research landscape.