RFA-EY-25-001
BRAIN Initiative: New Concepts and Early-Stage Research for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R21) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Summary
RFA-EY-25-001: BRAIN Initiative Recording and Modulation Technologies (R21)
Research Focus
This BRAIN Initiative R21 supports early-stage development of novel technologies for large-scale neural recording and precise circuit manipulation in the nervous system. The program targets fundamental barriers in current neurotechnologies: microelectrode arrays and imaging techniques are limited by the number of simultaneously recordable neurons, spatial sampling constraints, and invasiveness; non-invasive approaches lack sufficient spatial resolution and temporal dynamics. Applicants should propose entirely new concepts—including acoustic, chemical, electrical, magnetic, optical, or genetic modalities—that increase recording capability by orders of magnitude or dramatically improve selectivity and precision of neural activity manipulation (stimulation, perturbation, or modulation). Projects may involve theoretical modeling, computational simulations, phantom testing, or bench-top prototyping to validate assumptions before animal or human compatibility. The program explicitly welcomes chemists, physicists, engineers, materials scientists, and researchers from non-traditional neuroscience fields to bring unconventional approaches to circuit-level understanding and ultimately enable new diagnostics and treatments for brain disorders.
At a Glance
- Who can apply: Any qualified individual from any discipline; interdisciplinary teams and non-neuroscience researchers especially encouraged; clinical trials not allowed.
- Funding & project length: Not stated in overview; see full NOFO for budget caps and project duration.
- Award mechanism: R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant.
- Key dates: Applications open May 16, 2025; earliest start June 15, 2026; FOA expires June 16, 2026.
- Best fit for: Physics, engineering, chemistry, materials science, and computational researchers developing proof-of-concept recording/modulation devices or theoretical frameworks for neural interfaces compatible with animal models or humans.
Key Facts
Deadline
Mon, June 15, 2026
Posted
Mon, December 9, 2024
Award / Year (direct costs)
$275,000
Max Total
$550,000
Max Duration
2 years
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (3)
Multiple recent changes to participating ICs and funding goals (January 3, 2025 notice) require applicants to reread entire FOA, but the specific changes are not detailed in the provided text
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Source Text
“January 03, 2025 - Notice of change in 'Funding Opportunity Goals' for RFA-EY-25-001... See Notice NOT-EY-25-004. January 03, 2025 - Notice of Change: NIDA Participation... December 30, 2024 - Notice of NIBIB Participation... December 18, 2024 - Notice of NIDCD Participation... December 17, 2024 - Notice of Change: NINDS Participation...”
BRAIN Initiative awardees are expected to participate in mandatory PD/PI meetings and annual PI meetings post-award. This is an unusual post-award obligation that may not be standard for R21 explorato
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Source Text
“The BRAIN Initiative requires a high level of coordination and sharing between investigators. It is expected that BRAIN Initiative awardees will cooperate and coordinate their activities after awards are made by participating in Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) meetings and in other activities such as the annual PI meeting.”
Data sharing expectations for BRAIN Initiative awards are referenced as being in NOT-MH-19-010, but this is an external document not provided in the FOA. Applicants may not know what data sharing obli
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Source Text
“The data sharing expectations for BRAIN Initiative awards can be found at NOT-MH-19-010.”