BRAIN Initiative: New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

HHS-NIH11 RFA-NS-25-018

Posted: Sep 24, 2024 12:00:00 AM EDT

Closes: 01/20/2026

Description

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks applications for proof-of-concept testing and development of new technologies and novel approaches for recording and modulation of neural cells and circuits, to address major challenges and enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the central nervous system. Preliminary feasibility data are not required, and it is expected that the proposed research may be high-risk, but if successful could profoundly change the course of neuroscience research. Applications may propose development of instrumentation hardware and/or devices and associated software, and/or molecular constructs for sensing and manipulating neural activity. Approaches may utilize any modality such as optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic recording/manipulation, to target neuronal electrical signals or other forms of neural activity, including intracellular signaling and engagement of non-neuronal cells in circuit function. A companion NOFO (RFA-NS-25-017) is targeted to projects focused on optimization of instrumentation and devices that are later in the development cycle, where iterative optimization and end-user testing is needed. The companion NOFO does not allow projects primarily focused on development or optimization of molecular constructs for recording and manipulating neural activity. Projects of this nature are supported by this NOFO and other BRAIN Initiative announcements including RFA-MH-22-245, RFA-MH-21-175, and RFA-EY-21-001 (or their reissue). For this and the companion NOFO, the aim of the proposed technologies should be to reduce major barriers to conducting neurobiological experiments, including considerations of cost and ease of access, and to enable new discoveries for understanding neural circuit function. Technologies should address major challenges associated with recording and modulating CNS activity, at cellular or circuit resolution, and should contribute to an overall ecosystem of technologies spanning multiple spatial and temporal scales in any region throughout the CNS. The approaches should be compatible with experiments in behaving animals, with an expectation that they will be validated with in vivo experiments during the course of the project. Proposed validation experiments must focus on demonstrating the capabilities and potential impact of the technology, rather than advancing the state of biological knowledge as the primary project goal. Applications are encouraged to integrate multiple approaches, and where appropriate, to leverage a variety of domains of expertise from biological, chemical, and physical sciences, engineering, computational modeling, and statistical analysis.

Synopsis

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks applications for proof-of-concept testing and development of new technologies and novel approaches for recording and modulation of neural cells and circuits, to address major challenges and enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the central nervous system. Preliminary feasibility data are not required, and it is expected that the proposed research may be high-risk, but if successful could profoundly change the course of neuroscience research. Applications may propose development of instrumentation hardware and/or devices and associated software, and/or molecular constructs for sensing and manipulating neural activity. Approaches may utilize any modality such as optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic recording/manipulation, to target neuronal electrical signals or other forms of neural activity, including intracellular signaling and engagement of non-neuronal cells in circuit function. A companion NOFO (RFA-NS-25-017) is targeted to projects focused on optimization of instrumentation and devices that are later in the development cycle, where iterative optimization and end-user testing is needed. The companion NOFO does not allow projects primarily focused on development or optimization of molecular constructs for recording and manipulating neural activity. Projects of this nature are supported by this NOFO and other BRAIN Initiative announcements including RFA-MH-22-245, RFA-MH-21-175, and RFA-EY-21-001 (or their reissue). For this and the companion NOFO, the aim of the proposed technologies should be to reduce major barriers to conducting neurobiological experiments, including considerations of cost and ease of access, and to enable new discoveries for understanding neural circuit function. Technologies should address major challenges associated with recording and modulating CNS activity, at cellular or circuit resolution, and should contribute to an overall ecosystem of technologies spanning multiple spatial and temporal scales in any region throughout the CNS. The approaches should be compatible with experiments in behaving animals, with an expectation that they will be validated with in vivo experiments during the course of the project. Proposed validation experiments must focus on demonstrating the capabilities and potential impact of the technology, rather than advancing the state of biological knowledge as the primary project goal. Applications are encouraged to integrate multiple approaches, and where appropriate, to leverage a variety of domains of expertise from biological, chemical, and physical sciences, engineering, computational modeling, and statistical analysis.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:

City or township governments Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) Private institutions of higher education Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) County governments State governments For profit organizations other than small businesses Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Special district governments Independent school districts Small businesses

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.

Funding Activity Categories

Education Health Income Security and Social Services

CFDA Numbers

93.173 - Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders
93.213 - Research and Training in Complementary and Integrative Health
93.242 - Mental Health Research Grants
93.273 - Alcohol Research Programs
93.279 - Drug Abuse and Addiction Research Programs
93.286 - Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health
93.853 - Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
93.865 - Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research
93.866 - Aging Research
93.867 - Vision Research

Contact Information

Agency: National Institutes of Health

Contact: National Institutes of Health

Email: grantsinfo@nih.gov

Phone: 301-402-2541

NIH Grants Information
grantsinfo@nih.gov

Additional Information

Document Type: synopsis

Opportunity Category: Discretionary

Version: 4

Last Updated: Mar 31, 2025 12:49:40 PM EDT

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