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

National Institutes of Health · Opportunity number RFA-MH-26-170

View the official notice on Grants.gov
115 days left (deadline Feb 8, 2027)

Details summarized from the official notice as of Oct 16, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

Independent platform. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Data from public federal sources.

Key facts

Opportunity numberRFA-MH-26-170
AgencyNational Institutes of Health
Department of Health and Human Services
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)93.273, 93.213, 93.866, 93.867, 93.242, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.173, 93.279
PostedNov 15, 2024
DeadlineFeb 8, 2027
Cost sharing or matching requiredNo
Funding typeGrant
CategoryIncome security and social services
Last updated hereOct 16, 2026

Summary from the notice

The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function. The new tools and technologies should inform and/or exploit cell-type and/or circuit-level specificity. Plans for validating the utility of the tool/technology will be an essential feature of a successful application. The development of new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins and chemicals to cells of interest or approaches that are expected to target specific cell types and/or circuits in the nervous system with greater precision and sensitivity than currently established methods are encouraged. Tools that can be used in a number of species/model organisms rather than those restricted to a single species are highly desired. Applications that provide approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are highly encouraged.

Who can apply

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

  • Small businesses
  • For-profit organizations other than small businesses
  • City or township governments
  • State governments
  • Special district governments
  • Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
  • Independent school districts
  • Public and Indian housing authorities
  • Federally recognized tribal governments
  • Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
  • County governments
  • Private colleges and universities
  • Public and state colleges and universities
  • Other Native American tribal organizations
  • Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)

Who should take a closer look

  • Small businesses
  • Nonprofits
  • Colleges and universities
  • State governments
  • Local governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Larger for-profit companies

Not listed as eligible

  • Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

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