Notices of Funding Opportunities

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.

The purpose of this notice is to inform applicants of the early expiration of RFA-NS-21-026 "BRAIN Initiative: New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and RFA-NS-21-027 "BRAIN Initiative: Optimization of Transformative Technologies for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (U01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)". The remaining receipts date of May 1, 2023 and October 27, 2023 have been cancelled.

This NOSI supports creation of data archive(s), development of software tools, and establishment of data standards for BBQS-related studies to address the above-described challenges in the research program. The informatics infrastructure and tools to be developed under this NOSI are expected to be widely used by BBQS investigators, as well as by a broader community. Applications in response to this NOSI should therefore clearly justify the importance and implications of the proposed informatics infrastructure or tools to the BBQS program, and identify the potential user base. The projects funded under this NOSI are expected to support, communicate and collaborate with the funded BBQS research projects. Applicants should therefore familiarize themselves with the BBQS research program and funded projects (https://www.braininitiative.nih.gov/funding/initiatives.htm; also see RFA-MH-22-240 and RFA-DA-23-030).

The purpose of this notice is to inform applicants of a correction to the Eligibility Information for RFA-NS-22-011 "BRAIN Initiative: Research Resource Grants for Technology Integration and Dissemination (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). For this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), "Section III. Eligibility Information" has been corrected to allow intramural participation. This is consistent with the intramural participation language in "Section IV. Application and Submission Information, 7. Other Submission Requirements and Information".

On October 11, 2022, the National Institute on Drug Abuse and BRAIN Initiative published the Funding Opportunity Announcement, RFA-DA-23-030, BRAIN Initiative: Brain-Behavior Quantification and Synchronization Transformative and Integrative Models of Behavior at the Organismal Level (R34 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) to solicit applications supporting planning activities that will lay the groundwork for a scientific projects aiming to 1) develop and apply cutting-edge tools and methods for minimally invasive, multi-dimensional, high-resolution measurement of behavior at the level of the organism, with synchronous capture of data from the environment; and/or 2) develop computational methods that allow for integration of multidimensional behavioral and environmental data into a conceptual and/or computational model of behavior as a complex dynamic system. This Notice provides information regarding two upcoming Pre-Application Webinars for the above-referenced FOA. At these Webinars, Program and Review Officials from NIDA and other institutes participating in the BRAIN Initiative will provide a brief overview of this RFA and address questions from prospective applicants. Webinar Information Option 1 Date: Tuesday, November 22, 2022, Time: 11 am EST The webinar will be hosted through Zoom. Participants must register in advance for the webinar through the following link, after which a link to join the webinar will be e-mailed to the participant: NIH Zoom Webinar link: https://scgcorp.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkcOGrrj4jGtBm0XWaz_OYurAyDm… Option 2 Date: Monday, November 28, 2022, Time: 1 pm EST The webinar will be hosted through Zoom. Participants must register in advance for the webinar through the following link, after which a link to join the webinar will be e-mailed to the participant: NIH Zoom Webinar link: https://scgcorp.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqd-qvrTkrGNE22c1MQMmAdJ8Zf4…

The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is aimed at revolutionizing neuroscience through development and application of innovative technologies to map neural circuits, monitor and modulate their activity, and understand how they contribute to thoughts, sensations, emotions, and behaviors. NIH has issued a variety of Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) that will support projects that apply technologies to understand neural circuit function in the context of specific circuits, resulting in a diverse portfolio of research into the fundamental biology of nervous system function.

This notice alerts applicants about an upcoming Pre-Application and Technical Assistance Webinar for RFA-MH-22-240 on October 24, 2022.

This notice alerts applicants about an upcoming Pre-Application and Technical Assistance Webinar for RFA-MH-22-240 on September 22, 2022.

The purpose of this notice is to correct the key dates section of RFA-NS-22-040 "BRAIN Initiative: Team-Research BRAIN Circuit Programs - TeamBCP (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)".

This BRAIN Initiative FOA is to further develop molecular tools of high impact that are targetable to brain cell types for the monitoring and manipulation of neural circuits in experimental animals. This FOA is part of the BRAIN Initiative Armamentarium for Brain Cell Access transformative project. This will support iterative improvement of molecular payloads capable of monitoring and manipulating neural cell activity and that can be delivered to specific brain cell types using targeting technologies.