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

The BRAIN Initiative (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) is providing a grant for the development and validation of advanced tools to study brain function at the cellular and circuit-level. Named 'Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain', this initiative does not accommodate clinical trials.

The aim is to promote applications that facilitate a more detailed understanding of the complex circuits and cellular interactions in the brain. Any novel tools or technologies developed should either provide new information or use cell-type and circuit-level specificity.

Applications must include a plan for validating the effectiveness of the proposed tool or technology. The BRAIN Initiative welcomes the development of both genetic and non-genetic tools that can deliver genes, proteins or chemicals more precisely and sensitively than current methods, and specifically to target cell types and circuits within the nervous system.

Moreover, tools that can be utilised across multiple species or model organisms are highly favored, as opposed to those restricted to a single species. Applications that can significantly enhance current capabilities by overcoming existing technical obstacles are particularly encouraged.