The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is inviting applications for the BRAIN Initiative, specifically targeting the optimization of instrumentation and device technologies for neural recording and modulation. This funding opportunity aims to refine technologies that have already demonstrated proof-of-concept, focusing on enhancing neuroscience research through innovative approaches that integrate multiple scientific disciplines. The initiative is crucial for developing new capabilities in network recording and circuit manipulation, linking neural activity to behavior, and addressing major challenges in understanding the central nervous system. NIH anticipates awarding 15-20 grants with a total funding of up to $10 million annually, and interested applicants must adhere to specific guidelines, including the Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), with a submission deadline of January 20, 2026. For further inquiries, applicants can contact NIH Grants Information at grantsinfo@nih.gov.

RFA-NS-24-005-Full-Announcement.html

RFA-NS-24-005.html

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is inviting applications for the BRAIN Initiative aimed at optimizing instrumentation and device technologies for neural recording and modulation. This funding opportunity focuses on technologies that have demonstrated proof-of-concept and are ready for further refinement to enhance neuroscience research. The initiative encourages diverse perspectives and collaborative approaches among multiple scientific disciplines, institutions, and demographics, while proposing technologies must validate capabilities through in vivo experiments. 

Key goals include developing new network recording capabilities, tools for circuit manipulation, and linking neural activity to behavior, targeting both cellular and circuit resolution. The NIH anticipates awarding 15-20 grants with up to $10 million annually, encouraging inclusivity in scientific collaboration. Applications must follow specific guidelines for the Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP), as noncompliance will lead to withdrawal. Selected projects will involve substantial federal guidance, aiming to significantly influence neuroscience research methodologies and outcomes while adhering to strict application and submission protocols by specified due dates.

https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-NS-24-005.html

Reissue of RFA-NS-18-019: Understanding the dynamic activity of neural circuits is central to the NIH BRAIN Initiative. The invention, proof-of-concept investigation, and optimization of new technologies through iterative feedback from end users are key components of the BRAIN Initiative. This FOA seeks applications to optimize existing or emerging technologies through iterative testing with end users. The technologies and approaches should have potential to address major challenges associated with recording and modulation (including various modalities for stimulation/activation, inhibition and manipulation) of cells (i.e., neuronal and non-neuronal) and networks to enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the central nervous system (CNS). These technologies and approaches should have previously demonstrated their transformative potential through initial proof-of-concept testing and are now ready for accelerated refinement. In conjunction, the manufacturing techniques should be scalable towards sustainable, broad dissemination and user-friendly incorporation into regular neuroscience research.Proposed technologies should be compatible with experiments in behaving animals, validated under in vivo experimental conditions, and capable of reducing major barriers to conducting neurobiological experiments and making new discoveries about the CNS. Technologies may engage diverse types of signaling beyond neuronal electrical activity such as optical, electrical, magnetic, acoustic or genetic recording/manipulation. Applications that seek to integrate multiple approaches are encouraged. If suitable, applications are expected to integrate appropriate domains of expertise, including biological, chemical and physical sciences, engineering, computational modeling and statistical analysis.

See Section VII. Agency Contacts within the full opportunity announcement for all other inquires.

NIH Grants Information&lt;br/&gt;grantsinfo@nih.gov

BRAIN Initiative: Optimization of Instrumentation and Device Technologies for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (U01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)

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