Notices of funding opportunities for 2023: Neural recording, modulation, and stimulation

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This week, we will highlight BRAIN Initiative notices of funding opportunities (NOFOs) for fiscal year 2023. Today’s post features NOFOs for neural recording, modulation, and stimulation. 

The NOFOs below aim to enhance our knowledge of the brain by funding the development of tools for neural recording, modulation, and stimulation. 

RFA-DA-23-030 Brain-Behavior Quantification and Synchronization Transformative and Integrative Models of Behavior at the Organismal Level (R34 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) 

This NOFO seeks applications that will integrate complementary theories and methods to 1) develop, validate, and apply cutting-edge tools and methods for measurement of behavior at the level of the organism, with synchronous capture of changes in the organism’s social or physical environment; and 2) develop computational methods that allow for integration of behavioral and environmental data representing multiple timescales into a conceptional or computational model of behavior as a complex dynamic system, designed with capacity to integrate neural data and inform existing models of neurobehavioral function. Please read the full NOFO for more information. Applications are due February 14, 2023

RFA-MH-22-240 Brain-Behavior Quantification and Synchronization (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Optional) 

This NOFO supports research to develop and validate next-generation tools, methods, and analytic approaches to precisely quantify behaviors and combine them with simultaneous recordings of brain activity in humans. Tools used for measuring and analyzing behavior should be multi-modal, with the appropriate accuracy, specificity, temporal resolution, and flexibility necessary for integration with existing tools used to measure and modulate the brain circuits that give rise to those behaviors. Please read the full NOFO for more information. Applications are due February 17, 2023

RFA-NS-21-023 Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Nervous System (Reissue of RFA-NS-18-021; UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) 

This NOFO supports translational activities and small clinical studies for recording and stimulating devices to treat central nervous system disorders and better understand the brain. Activities supported in this program include implementation of clinical prototype devices, non-clinical safety and efficacy testing, design verification and validation activities, obtaining an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) for a Significant Risk (SR) study, as well as a subsequent small clinical study. The clinical study is expected to provide information about the device function or final design that cannot be practically obtained through additional non-clinical assessments. Please read the full NOFO for more details. Applications are due February 21, 2023, June 19, 2023, and October 18, 2023

RFA-NS-21-024 Clinical Studies to Advance Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human Central Nervous System (Reissue of RFA-NS-18-023; UH3 Clinical Trial Optional) 

This NOFO supports first-in-human or early-stage clinical studies for recording and stimulating devices to treat central nervous system disorders and better understand the human brain. The clinical study is expected to provide data to answer key questions about the function or final design of a device and is expected to provide information about the device function or final design that cannot be practically obtained through additional non-clinical assessments due to the novelty of the device. Please read the full NOFO for more information. Applications are due February 21, 2023, June 19, 2023, and October 18, 2023

RFA-NS-21-026 New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (Reissue of RFA-NS-18-020; R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) 

This NOFO seeks applications for proof-of-concept testing and development of new technologies and novel approaches for recording and modulation of cells and networks to enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the central nervous system (CNS).  This NOFO seeks exceptionally creative approaches to address major challenges associated with recording and modulating CNS activity, at or near cellular resolution, at multiple spatial and/or temporal scales, in any region and throughout the entire depth of the brain. Please read the full NOFO for more information. Applications are due May 1, 2023 and October 27, 2023

RFA-NS-21-027 Optimization of Transformative Technologies for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (Reissue of RFA-NS-18-019; U01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) 

This NOFO funds applications to optimize existing or emerging technologies with the potential to address major challenges associated with recording and modulation of cells and networks to enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the central nervous system. These technologies and approaches should have previously demonstrated their transformative potential through initial proof-of-concept testing and are now ready for accelerated refinement. In conjunction, the manufacturing techniques should be scalable towards sustainable, broad dissemination and user-friendly incorporation into regular neuroscience research. Please read the full NOFO for more information. Applications are due May 1, 2023 and October 27, 2023

RFA-EY-21-001 New Concepts and Early-Stage Research for Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (Reissue of RFA-EY-18-01; R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) 

This NOFO seeks applications for unique and innovative recording and modulation technologies that are in the earliest stage of development, including new and untested ideas that are in the initial stages of conceptualization. Invasive or non-invasive approaches are sought that will enable large-scale recording and precise manipulation of neural activity, and that would ultimately be compatible with experiments in humans or behaving animals. Applications are encouraged from any qualified individuals, including physicists, engineers, theoreticians, and scientists, especially those not typically involved with neuroscience research. Please read the full NOFO for more information. Applications are due May 1, 2023 and October 27, 2023

RFA-NS-22-041 Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (Reissue of RFA-NS-19-001; U01 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) 

Human studies using invasive technology are often limited by a small number of patients and limited resources available to implement complex experimental protocols. This funding opportunity supports applications to assemble diverse, integrated, multi-disciplinary teams to overcome these barriers to investigate high-impact questions in human neuroscience. Projects should maximize opportunities to conduct innovative in vivo neuroscience research made available by direct access to the brain from invasive surgical procedures. Projects should employ approaches guided by specified theoretical constructs and by quantitative, mechanistic models where appropriate. Please read the full NOFO for more information. Applications are due September 22, 2023

NOT-NS-22-052 Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): BRAIN Initiative: Translation of Groundbreaking Technologies from Early-stage Development through Early Clinical Study via Blueprint MedTech 

The NIH Blueprint MedTech program aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge medical devices to treat nervous system disorders. This notice intends to alert applicants that there is a need to help transition BRAIN Initiative-relevant technologies, overseen by the Blueprint MedTech program, from early device development to first-in-human clinical studies. Please read the full notice for more information. 

As part of the NIH BRAIN Initiative’s efforts to promote more impactful science through the inclusion of diverse perspectives, most of these FOAS will require a Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) as part of the application. 

Please visit the BRAIN Initiative’s Funding Opportunities webpage for more details on these and any additional opportunities that may arise.

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