National Institutes of Health · Department of Health and Human Services
BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Key facts
- Deadline
- Due Feb 8, 2027 · 124 days left
- Award size
- Not stated: see the official notice
- Match ?
- Not required · Work out your budget and match
- Who can apply
- Small business, Larger business, City or town government, State government, Special district (utility, fire, etc.), Nonprofit with 501(c)(3), School district, Tribal government, County government, Private college or university, Public college or university, Tribal organization, Nonprofit without 501(c)(3), and others named in the official notice
- Where
- Anywhere in the U.S., including Tennessee
Before you apply: federal grants require an active SAM.gov registration (Unique Entity ID) and a Grants.gov account. Registration is free but can take weeks, so start now, not when the deadline is close. Get-ready checklist
How this fits you
- Available in Warren County (nationwide program)
- No match required
- Past Tennessee awards on file: 843
Tell us who you are to see whether you're eligible.
Official notice: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/50071472-0dd1-45a4-bcb7-34b4b1a84bd0 · Printed from grantme.click/grants/e49e045d-9665-4a16-855e-0eb40b188de1
View on Grants.gov Add deadline to my calendar
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About this grant
The purpose of this Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative is to encourage applications that will develop and validate novel tools to facilitate the detailed analysis of complex circuits and provide insights into cellular interactions that underlie brain function. The new tools and technologies should inform and/or exploit cell-type and/or circuit-level specificity. Plans for validating the utility of the tool/technology will be an essential feature of a successful application. The development of new genetic and non-genetic tools for delivering genes, proteins and chemicals to cells of interest or approaches that are expected to target specific cell types and/or circuits in the nervous system with greater precision and sensitivity than currently established methods are encouraged. Tools that can be used in a number of species/model organisms rather than those restricted to a single species are highly desired. Applications that provide approaches that break through existing technical barriers to substantially improve current capabilities are highly encouraged.
Who can apply, from the official notice
Other Eligible Applicants include the following:
Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.
Your schedule, working back from the deadline
- Oct7
Check that your SAM.gov registration is active (or start it now)
Grants.gov: allow up to 10 business days for SAM registration, weeks or months if information isn't verified. It must be renewed every year. Grants.gov - Jan18
Ask partners for letters of support or commitment
Suggested: partners need about three weeks to write and sign letters. - Feb1
Finish a complete draft for a final review
Suggested: leave about a week for someone else to read the draft. - Feb6
Submit
Grants.gov: submit at least 24–48 hours before the deadline: uploads fail, systems slow down, errors need fixing. Grants.gov blog - Feb8
Deadline
From the funder.
Save this grant to put these dates in My grants and your private calendar.
Writing the need statement? Warren County facts with citations.
Who in Tennessee has won this program
236 awards to Tennessee groups in 4 counties since 1977 · 0 in Warren County. Largest shown:
| Past winner | Where | Amount | Fiscal year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $39.5M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $37.5M | 2021 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $24.1M | 2011 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $18.6M | 2024 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $18.3M | 2019 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | $14.9M | 2015 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $14.9M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville | $14.8M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $14M | 1997 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | $12.7M | 2021 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $11.5M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | $10.1M | 1977 |
Source: Federal Audit Clearinghouse, USAspending.gov. Past awards show who this program funds. They don't guarantee future awards.
Tennessee groups that got this money through a state agency or another organization
This federal money also reaches local groups as pass-through grants. In Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and Tennessee Department of Education pass it on: watch those agencies for applications, not the federal agency. 607 pass-through grants on file · 0 in Warren County. Largest shown:
| Past winner | Where | Through | Amount | Fiscal year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | University of Vermont & State Agricultural College | $4.4M | 2023 |
| University of Tennessee | Memphis, Shelby County | Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University | $1.8M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Yale Univ | $1.6M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | The Trustees of Princeton University | $1.6M | 2023 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Regents of the University of Michigan | $1.4M | 2024 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Inc | Memphis, Shelby County | The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | $1.4M | 2026 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University | $1.3M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | University of California, San Diego | $1.3M | 2024 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | $1.2M | 2026 |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University | $1.2M spent that year | 2025 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | The Pennsylvania State University | $1.1M | 2026 |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, Davidson County | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | $1.1M | 2023 |
Source: USAspending.gov pass-through reports (the first recipient reports each one of $30,000 or more).
About the federal program
Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders
Program number 93.173 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating applications 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 environment and available resources for the proposed project; (5) the necessity of budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives; (7) innovation; (8) risk to human subjects, including inclusion of minorities, inclusion across the lifespan, and animal protection. The following additional criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR grant applications: (1) The technological innovation of the proposed research; (2) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application.
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Research and Training in Complementary and Integrative Health, also called “National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health”
Program number 93.213 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant, training
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) the scientific merit innovation 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; (6) the relevance and importance to the announced program objectives and when applicable,and (7) the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for safeguarding human or animal subjects. 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...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Mental Health Research Grants
Program number 93.242 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Cooperative agreement (a grant with close agency involvement), project grant, training
How applications are judged
The following consideration will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Technical merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review; (2) Availability of funds; and (3) Relevance to program priorities.
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Alcohol Research Programs
Program number 93.273 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
The following considerations will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Scientific and technical merit of the proposal; (2) program balance; and (3) relevance to NIAAA priorities and public health issues. 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 of 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 Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technological innovation, originality, or societal importance of the proposed research; (5) the potential of the proposed research for commercial...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Drug Use and Addiction Research Programs
Program number 93.279 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant, training
How applications are judged
The following considerations will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Scientific and technical merit; (2) the feasibility of the research; (3) potential contribution to the national drug abuse problem; and (4) relevance to NIDA priorities. 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 and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technology.
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health
Program number 93.286 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) Significance: Does this study address an important problem? If the aims of the application are achieved, how will scientific knowledge be advanced? What will be the effect of these studies on the concepts or methods that drive this field? (2) Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well-integrated, and appropriate to the aims of the project? Does the applicant acknowledge potential problem areas and consider alternative tactics? (3) Innovation: Does the project employ novel concepts, approaches or method? Are the aims original and innovative? Does the project challenge existing paradigms or develop new methodologies or technologies? (4) Investigator: Is the investigator appropriately trained and well suited to carry out this work? Is the work proposed appropriate to the experience level of the principal investigator and other researchers (if any)? (5) Environment: Does the scientific environment in which the work will be done contribute to the probability of success? Do the proposed experiments take advantage of unique features of the scientific environment or employ useful collaborative arrangements? Is there evidence of institutional support? (6) the appropriateness of the proposed budget and duration in relation to the proposed research; (7) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives; (8) the adequacy of plans to include both...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders
Program number 93.853 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
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...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research, also called “Child Health and Human Development”
Program number 93.865 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of the significance of the proposed research; approach; innovation; investigators; and environment. 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 and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technological innovation originality, or societal importance of the proposed research; (5) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (6) the reasonableness of the budget...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
Examples of funded projects
Fiscal year 2025: The following is a tiny sample of fiscal year 2025 NICHD funded grants within the discretionary award class type. 1) Understanding the role of early life social determinants and sex-specific pubertal pathways in the development of adolescent chronic pain. 2) Improving In Vitro Fertilization Success through Multiplexed Optical Metabolic Imaging. 3) Genetic Studies of Large Palindromes. 4) A Safe, Fast, and Cost-Effective System for Tissue Removal in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Other Minimally Invasive Surgery.
The following is a tiny sample of fiscal year 2025 NICHD funded grants within the cooperative agreement award class type. 1) Study of Treatment and Reproductive outcomes. 2) Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study (PHACS): Research on Immune Aging, Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Perinatal Acquisition: Elucidating Relationships in HIV (RISE). 3) Pelvic Floor Disorders Network Data Coordinating Center. 4) NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network: Data Coordinating Center.
Fiscal year 2026: The following is a tiny sample of fiscal year 2026 NICHD funded grants within the discretionary award class type. 1) Placental Proteins and Prematurity. 2) In...
About the federal program
Aging Research, also called “(Aging)”
Program number 93.866 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and 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; 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 and technical merit of the proposed...
Match
None required (federal program listing).
About the federal program
Vision Research, also called “NEI”
Program number 93.867 (the federal Assistance Listing number) · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health · Project grant
How applications are judged
The following consideration will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Technical merit of the proposed project; (2) Availability of funds; and (3) Relevance to program priorities.
Match
None required (federal program listing).