BRAIN Initiative: Integrative Team-Research BRAIN Circuits Program - iBCP (RM1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The BRAIN Initiative, launched in 2014, aims to accelerate the development and application of innovative neurotechnologies to create a dynamic understanding of brain function. The initiative seeks to provide mechanistic, biologically grounded explanations of how neural circuits and their cellular components contribute to central nervous system (CNS) functions. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically through various institutes including the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The goal is to support transdisciplinary research teams that integrate expertise across molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience to bridge experimental and computational approaches.

Grant Details
The iBCP program requires teams of 3-6 Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs) to develop mechanistic explanations for how neural circuits give rise to behavior or defined CNS functions. Applications must connect three core elements: 1) characterization of circuit components (e.g., cell types/connectivity); 2) measurement of dynamic circuit activity with in vivo CNS recordings at cellular resolution; and 3) analysis of a tractable behavior or functional output. Proposed studies should leverage innovative frameworks, predictive models, and cutting-edge methodologies that unify these levels of analysis. Recipients are expected to participate in BRAIN consortia activities aimed at developing standards for multi-level integration.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local/state governments, tribal governments, and other entities as specified. Non-domestic entities are not eligible to apply. Each application must be submitted as a multiple PD/PI application with 3-6 PDs/PIs having complementary expertise.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 5 years, with funding anticipated up to $8 million per fiscal year for up to 5 awards.

Grant Value
NIH intends to commit up to $8 million per fiscal year for this initiative, with individual awards anticipated not exceeding $1 million in direct costs per fiscal year.