BRAIN Initiative: Brain-Behavior Quantification and Synchronization – Transformative Research on Behavior at the Organismal Level

The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative, a collaboration of Federal and non-Federal partners led by NIH, seeks to accelerate development and dissemination of new neurotechnologies, transdisciplinary approaches, and scientific databases to study brain function with unprecedented resolution and scope. The BRAIN Initiative’s Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization (BBQS) Program furthers this mission by supporting the development of tools for high-resolution, multimodal tracking of complex behaviors synchronously with neural activity and advancement of theoretical frameworks and computational models for understanding neurobehavioral function in real-world settings. This BRAIN Initiative-funded BBQS opportunity will support transdisciplinary research involving human subjects and/or other species aiming to advance methods to capture and model complex behavior at the organismal level in dynamic environments. Required objectives include advancing sensing technologies and approaches for minimally intrusive, high-resolution, synchronous measurement of multiple biobehavioral functions (e.g. movements, peripheral physiology and neural activity) with simultaneous, multi-level tracking of environmental variables; and developing analytic and computational approaches that will lead to new, testable models of neurobehavioral function as a complex dynamic system shaped by the organism’s environment. Participation in consortium activities will be required. This forecast is authorized under 42 U.S.C. 241&284 and 114 U.S.C. 255.

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) the soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) the degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...