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

Background
The BRAIN Initiative, established in 2014, aims to accelerate the development and application of innovative neurotechnologies to enhance the understanding of brain function. The initiative is supported by multiple federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which seeks to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research. This funding opportunity encourages research that develops and validates novel tools for analyzing complex neural circuits and cellular interactions that underlie brain function.

Grant Details
The grant focuses on developing and validating novel tools that facilitate detailed analysis of complex brain circuits and cellular interactions. Key tasks include:

1) Developing new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins, and chemicals to specific cells or circuits;

2) Creating tools that target specific cell types or circuits with greater precision than current methods;

3) Validating the utility of these tools;

4) Encouraging applications that break through existing technical barriers;

5) Prioritizing tools applicable across multiple species rather than those limited to a single model organism.

Specific areas of interest include novel methods for tagging neurons, non-invasive manipulation techniques, transgenic methods in various species, visualization techniques for gene expression in neural cells, and automated assays for high-throughput analysis.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions (public or private), nonprofits, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), local/state governments, tribal governments, foreign organizations, and other entities such as independent school districts or faith-based organizations. The NIH encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is three years. The earliest start date for awarded projects is February 7, 2025.

Grant Value
The NIH intends to commit an estimated total of $8 million to fund approximately 6-9 awards. Application budgets are not limited but must reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.