Investigating how Neurological Systems Process Information in REality (INSPIRE)
ID: DARPA-EA-24-01-04Type: Presolicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; BASIC RESEARCH (AC11)
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting submissions for the Investigating how Neurological Systems Process Information in REality (INSPIRE) Advanced Research Concepts (ARC) Opportunity, focusing on innovative exploratory research in experimental and computational neuroscience. This program aims to explore how neurological systems process information beyond traditional digital representations, with an emphasis on developing new theories regarding brain function and insights that could advance neurotechnologies. Proposals can receive funding between $100,000 and $300,000 for a maximum duration of 12 months, with abstracts evaluated on a rolling basis until January 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Interested researchers should submit their abstracts to the BAA Coordinator at INSPIRE@darpa.mil, ensuring detailed milestone reporting is included in their proposals.

    Point(s) of Contact
    BAA Coordinator
    INSPIRE@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced the Investigating how Neurological Systems Process Information in REality (INSPIRE) ARC Opportunity (DARPA-EA-24-01-04). This program invites submissions of innovative research concepts in experimental and computational neuroscience to explore how neurological systems process information beyond digital representations. Researchers may submit abstracts focusing on novel theories regarding brain function, particularly in light of recent experimental techniques like brain organoids. The opportunity supports projects with a maximum duration of 12 months and funding ranging between $100,000 to $300,000, excluding profit. Proposals should outline specific research plans, technical objectives, and evaluation measures. Abstracts will be evaluated on a rolling basis until January 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Key objectives include investigating alternative methods of information processing in the brain, measuring functional neural units, studying neurological responses to disease, and developing new computational models. The emphasis is on producing insights that can lead to advancements in neurotechnologies. The program does not support human subjects research and requires detailed milestone reporting for successful proposals, ensuring accountability and progress tracking throughout the research duration.
    Lifecycle
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    Investigating how Neurological Systems Process Information in REality (INSPIRE) Webinar
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    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting a live virtual webinar titled "Investigating how Neurological Systems Process Information in REality (INSPIRE)" to promote technical exchange and provide information on the INSPIRE Advanced Research Concept (ARC) Opportunity. The webinar aims to engage potential proposers in discussions about innovative research in experimental and computational neuroscience, particularly focusing on non-digital brain information storage and processing methods beyond traditional neuron firing rate models. This initiative is significant for advancing cognitive computation and developing novel neurotechnologies, encouraging participation from small businesses and research institutions. Registration for the webinar is required and will close on October 23, 2024, with the event taking place on October 24, 2024. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at INSPIRE@darpa.mil.
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