Open

BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Federal funding opportunity RFA-MH-26-170 from National Institutes of Health (Department of Health and Human Services).

Apply on Grants.gov →Application closes February 8, 2027

Posted: November 15, 2024
Closes: February 8, 2027
Cost sharing: No
Instrument: Grant
Assistance listing: 93.273, 93.213, 93.866, 93.867, 93.242, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.173, 93.279
Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services
Archives: March 16, 2027

Program funding history

Awards made under Assistance Listing 93.273 across FY2024–FY2026, from public federal spending records.

FY2024 obligated: $445.1M
FY2025 obligated: $449M
FY2026 (to date) obligated: $278.7M
Awards in window: 2,284

Top recipients: Yale Univ, Trustees of Indiana University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of California, San Diego, University of Washington

Source: USAspending.gov · refreshed August 2026

Synopsis

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

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
Private institutions of higher education
County governments
Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Independent school districts
Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
For profit organizations other than small businesses
Small businesses
State governments
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
City or township governments
Special district governments

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.

How to apply

Applications go through the official government listing. Grants Radar links you straight to the source — applying is free.

View on Grants.gov Full announcement

Agency contact: National Institutes of Health · [email protected] · 301-402-2541

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