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NIH Phase 1 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R61)

BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain

Funds exploratory human studies that record and stimulate neurons directly, using brain access that invasive procedures already create.

OpenNational Institutes of HealthUnited States

Getting direct electrical access to living human brain tissue almost always requires a medical reason to be there in the first place. This notice funds using that access, once it exists, to ask fundamental neuroscience questions.

The scope is exploratory research using invasive surgical procedures that already give direct, precisely localised access to record and stimulate neuronal activity in th…

Exploratory and planning research using invasive surgical procedures that provide direct, precisely localised access to record and stimulate neuronal activity in the human brain, to understand how single-cell and neuronal-ensemble activity produces internal states and observable behaviour — feasibility work laying the groundwork for a later full research grant using the same approach, with participation in a shared NIH consortium working group built into the award.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.11 Feb 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.—
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$6M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: RFA-DC-27-004Source: www.grants.gov