At a glance
This program funds the development and validation of new tools and technologies to study specific cell types and circuits in the brain, with an emphasis on non-invasive or minimally invasive methods. Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, governments, tribal governments, federal agencies, foreign organizations, and other listed entities; foreign components are allowed. NIH expects to fund about 6 to 9 awards with a total of about $8 million, and application budgets are not limited but must fit the project needs. There is no cost sharing requirement. Clinical trials are not allowed, and the maximum project period is 3 years.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function. The new tools and technologies should inform and/or exploit cell-type and/or circuit-level specificity. Plans for validating the utility of the tool/technology will be an essential feature of a successful application. The development of new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins and chemicals to cells of interest or approaches that are expected to target specific cell types and/or circuits in the nervous system with greater precision and sensitivity than currently established methods are encouraged. Tools that can be used in a number of species/model organisms rather than those restricted to a single species are highly desired. Applications that provide approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are highly encouraged.
Who can apply
- City or township governments
- County governments
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Independent school districts
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
- Others
- Private institutions of higher education
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Public housing authorities / Indian housing authorities
- Small businesses
- Special district governments
- State governments