BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN): Coordinating Unit for Biostatistics, Informatics, and Engagement (CUBIE)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), with other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), intends to publish a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to solicit research applications for the BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN) Coordinating Unit for Biostatistics, Informatics, and Engagement (CUBIE). In accordance with NIH standard peer-review processes, the application(s) will be peer-reviewed, and only meritorious application(s) will be considered for funding. The overall goals of CUBIE are to (i) enable the exploration of large-scale brain cell atlas data and knowledge, and inspire research in brain function and disorders; and (ii) ensure research rigor and data reproducibility by making the data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR), and the process transparent. This is a renewal that will continue the funding for a 2-year period. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow eligible applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. Applications are expected to collaborate with the broader research community to analyze and interpret all existing brain cell census/atlas data to enhance statistical power, ensure research rigor and data reproducibility, and foster the formation of a brain cell atlas ecosystem by leveraging recent Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) advancements.