BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales Data Coordinating Center (BRAIN CONNECTS DCC) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The BRAIN Initiative, initiated in 2014, aims to accelerate the development and application of innovative neurotechnologies to produce a new dynamic picture of the brain. The initiative is expected to lead to new ways to treat and prevent brain disorders.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is one of the federal agencies involved in the BRAIN Initiative, guided by strategic plans such as 'BRAIN 2025: A Scientific Vision' and 'The BRAIN Initiative 2.0: From Cells to Circuits, Toward Cures'. The NIH BRAIN Initiative recognizes the benefits of diverse scientific teams and encourages inclusivity in research, promoting diverse perspectives and engagement from different types of institutions, organizations, and individuals.

Grant Details
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits applications for one or more Data Coordinating Centers (DCCs) to support BRAIN CONNECTS, a networked consortium of Comprehensive Centers and Specialized Projects funded under RFA-NS-22-047, RFA-NS-22-048, and RFA-NS-22-049.

The goals are to develop the research capacity and technical capabilities for comprehensive brain-wide connectivity mapping in mouse, human, and non-human primate (NHP). The resulting feasibility data from these awards are expected to inform NIH decisions on program continuation in a potential subsequent five-year funding period for production of brain-wide wiring diagrams.

The DCCs will coordinate activities of the BRAIN CONNECTS Network, develop and harmonize common data processing pipelines, integrate and disseminate data analytic tools and capabilities, establish a unified knowledge base for connectivity data of diverse modalities, and organize outreach and engagement to the wider research community and the general public.

Eligibility Requirements
All organizations administering an eligible parent award may apply for a supplement under this NOFO. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, for-profit organizations, state governments, Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Federally Recognized), federal agencies, U.S. Territory or Possession entities, foreign organizations including foreign components of U.S. Organizations.

Period of Performance
The project period is five years with an earliest start date in January 2024. The application due date is December 29, 2023.

Grant Value
The BRAIN Initiative intends to commit $6M in FY 2025 to fund 1-3 awards. Application budgets are not limited but need to reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.