BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
This funding announcement, issued by the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative, seeks transformative, cutting-edge, and innovative research that embraces new technologies, ideas, and approaches to understand brain circuit function and contributions to behavior. It is a component of the BRAIN Initiative Connectivity Across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS) Program, which aims to lay the scientific foundation for the next generation of neural circuit-based approaches for preventing and treating devastating brain disorders. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) supports Specialized Projects to develop current or emerging technologies to generate comprehensive atlases of brain connectivity, with an emphasis on human, non-human primate (NHP), and mouse. Projects using other species are also permitted, if their use is well justified and the goal is to test and validate approaches that can be generalized across species. Applications may address any aspect(s) of brain connectivity and associated data pipelines, including data collection, reconstruction, analysis, integration, dissemination, and interpretation, to enable faster, more precise, and more cost-effective generation and interpretation of brain-wide wiring diagrams. Funded projects will be integrated into the BRAIN CONNECTS Network consisting of projects funded under this and preceding BRAIN CONNECTS NOFOs, as a coordinated effort aimed at developing the capabilities to generate wiring di.
The BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies grant supports researchers and organizations developing innovative technologies to map brain connectivity at multiple scales. This funding is ideal for neuroscience researchers, technology developers, and research institutions working on cutting-edge approaches to understand brain circuit function and behavior. The program funds projects that create comprehensive atlases of brain connectivity in human, non-human primate, and mouse models, with applications extending to other species when well justified. Eligible applicants can pursue research across the entire data pipeline—from collection and reconstruction to analysis, integration, dissemination, and interpretation—enabling the generation of brain-wide wiring diagrams that are faster, more precise, and more cost-effective. Both domestic and international organizations may apply, making this an excellent opportunity for global research collaborations. Funded projects become part of the BRAIN CONNECTS Network, a coordinated effort advancing neural circuit-based approaches for preventing and treating brain disorders. Researchers seeking to advance neurotechnology and contribute to transformative brain research should consider applying to this highly competitive federal funding opportunity.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
October 4, 2027
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by cycle
Deadline
2027-10-04
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual deadline (October 4, 2027)
Best For
Research institutions, neuroscience researchers, technology developers focused on brain connectivity mapping and neural circuit analysis
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility. Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, and organizations capable of conducting advanced neuroscience research. Non-domestic entities and international collaborations are permitted, though foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are not allowed. For complete eligibility requirements, including institutional qualifications and PI credentials, refer to Section III of the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the NIH website.
How much funding does BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Funding amounts vary and are not specified in the current announcement. Applicants should consult the official NOFO and contact the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) or relevant NIH institute for specific budget guidelines and funding range details for this funding cycle.
How do I apply for BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through grants.nih.gov (Grants.gov) and the eRA Commons system. Applicants must prepare a complete NIH application package including project narrative, budget, and supporting documents. The application deadline is October 4, 2027. Visit the official NIH BRAIN Initiative website and the specific NOFO for detailed instructions, required forms, and submission guidelines.
What can BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports development of current or emerging technologies to generate comprehensive brain connectivity atlases. Approved uses include all aspects of brain connectivity research and data pipelines: data collection, reconstruction, analysis, integration, dissemination, and interpretation. Projects must advance understanding of brain circuit function and behavior across human, non-human primate, and mouse models. Clinical trials are not permitted under this funding mechanism.
Last updated: July 5, 2026