BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative seeks to accelerate the development and application of advanced neurotechnologies to enable a deeper understanding of brain circuits and their functions. This funding opportunity, administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically supports projects aimed at developing and validating innovative tools for analyzing brain cells and circuits with an emphasis on circuit-specific and cell-specific processes. The program focuses on fostering the development of transformative tools that break through current technological barriers. Examples of research areas include novel methods for manipulating or tagging neurons, developing non-invasive technologies for targeting brain cells, and innovative molecular approaches for exploring neural activity and circuits. These tools should be applicable across species or model organisms and have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of brain function and behavior. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, and government entities, with special encouragement for projects involving diverse perspectives and collaborations. Non-domestic organizations are also eligible, as are projects involving NIH intramural researchers under specific conditions. Applicants must provide a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), detailing actionable strategies to ensure inclusivity and diversity in research teams and processes. The NIH anticipates awarding a total of $8 million to fund approximately 6–9 grants, with project periods of up to three years. Applications should include detailed research strategies, a Current State-of-the-Art Statement comparing the proposed innovations against existing technologies, and milestones for progress evaluation. A strong emphasis is placed on the potential transformative impact of the proposed tools and their ability to address significant gaps in neuroscience research. Proposals are evaluated based on scientific merit, innovation, feasibility, the expertise of the research team, and adherence to NIH policies. The inclusion of a well-articulated PEDP is required and contributes to the overall evaluation. Submission deadlines occur annually, with the next application deadline on February 7, 2025. Researchers are encouraged to review the full funding opportunity announcement for detailed application instructions, eligibility requirements, and evaluation criteria. Additional questions may be directed to NIH staff as outlined in the funding announcement.