BRAIN Initiative: New Concepts and Early-Stage Research for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R21) (Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The BRAIN Initiative is seeking applications for the New Concepts and Early-Stage Research for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R21) grant. This grant does not allow for clinical trials. It encourages pioneering ideas in the development of unique recording and modulation technologies in the nervous system. The ideas should be fresh, innovative and in the commencement stage of formulating the concept.

The grant also supports projects that significantly elevate the capabilities of recording or modulation. Other projects may focus on enhancing the precision and selectivity of recording or stimulation. The stimulation can be of various types such as perturbation, manipulation and modulation.

A broad spectrum of modalities are sought after for this initiative. They include but not limited to, acoustic, chemical, electrical, magnetic, and optical methods. The use of genetic tools is also considered. The project should involve either invasive or non-invasive methods that can facilitate extensive recording or accurate manipulation of neural activity. Furthermore, the project should be complementary with experiments on both humans and animals.

This call is open to professionals from all fields, even those not traditionally involved with neuroscience research. Scholars such as chemists, engineers, physicists, materials scientists, theoreticians, and many others are welcome to apply.

All applications must include a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP). The PEDP will be evaluated as part of the scientific and technical peer review. Failure to include a PEDP will result in the application considered to be incomplete, and it will subsequently be withdrawn from consideration.