The BRAIN Blog

In recent weeks, the NIH BRAIN Initiative released five new requests for applications (RFAs) related to human neuroscience research that range from the development of invasive stimulating and recording devices to investigating non-invasive imaging techniques. These RFAs rely on partnerships between clinicians, laboratory scientists, device manufacturers, and also include a research agreement by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Separate events on Wednesday, October 1 highlighted the awardees of the second round of NIH BRAIN Initiative grants and additional investments by the Kavli Foundation to support the BRAIN Initiative. NIH announced funding of 67 new projects to advance our understanding of neural circuit function and greatly enhance our ability to record from the brain in action.

Cori Bargmann talks with The New York Times about her research and the goals of the BRAIN Initiative

The NIH BRAIN Initiative has released three notices of funding opportunities for partnerships between clinical investigators and manufacturers of the latest-generation implantable stimulating and/or recording devices for clinical neuroscience research in humans.

A central focus of the BRAIN Initiative is development of technologies for recording and modulating neural circuits. Such technologies may be incorporated into devices to be implanted in the brain or spinal cord that can, for example, treat Parkinson’s disease or restore movement in the case of spinal cord injury.

NIH has released three new exciting Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the BRAIN Initiative, and we are encouraging researchers from across the physical and life sciences, as well as engineering and statistical disciplines, to submit applications to these and future open BRAIN Initiative funding opportunities.

Letters of Agreement pave way for collaboration between NIH BRAIN Initiative and neuroscientists in Canada and Australia.

The article outlines the benefits and challenges of classifying neurons and highlights new genetic techniques for defining cell types.

In the August 7 issue of Science, science writer Emily Underwood elegantly lays out the historical background—dating back to the research of Santiago Ramón y Cajal—underlying The BRAIN Initiative’s goal of classifying the enormous variety of cells in the brain. Underwood goes on to spotlight a handful of new genetic techniques for cataloging neuronal diversity.

A meeting of the Multi-Council Working Group for the NIH BRAIN Initiative provided insights into funding the second wave of BRAIN awardees, explored foundation efforts and potential collaborations, approved a neuroethics workgroup, and contemplated future ventures for the initiative.

NSF issues $13.1 million for 16 new multidisciplinary awards to support BRAIN Initiative

Microscope maker Inscopix receives prestigious designation by World Economic Forum