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National Institutes of Health

BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools and New Approaches for Neuroscience Research

Funds building new tools to record, image or control brain cells and circuits, from first sketches to lab-ready instruments.

Understanding the brain depends on tools that do not exist yet. This notice funds building them.

The BRAIN Initiative is soliciting applications to develop novel tools and approaches that interrogate cell-specific and circuit-specific processes in the central nervous system, consolidating three previously separate BRAIN Initiative tool-development programmes into one.

Two broad directions are na

Development of novel tools and approaches for interrogating cell-specific and circuit-specific processes in the central nervous system, spanning delivery technologies, novel sensors and tracers, and recording or modulation of neural circuits across any modality, from early conceptual ideas through optimisation of existing instrumentation for broad adoption.

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.10 Jun 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.$12M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: RFA-MH-28-110Source: www.grants.gov