Forecast for BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is advancing the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative through a forecasted funding opportunity titled BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies. This program is part of a broader federal effort to accelerate the development and application of innovative tools and technologies to better understand the structure and function of the brain. The initiative builds upon prior funding announcements and continues a coordinated, multi-award approach to mapping neural connectivity across species and scales. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to support specialized research projects that develop scalable technologies capable of mapping brain-wide neural connectivity. These technologies may address various stages of the research pipeline, including tissue processing, imaging, data alignment, segmentation, annotation, error correction, and integration into broader neuroscience data systems. The initiative emphasizes innovation and iterative engineering approaches, aiming to enhance the capacity to generate comprehensive wiring diagrams of the brain. While the program focuses on human, non-human primate, and mouse models, applicants may propose alternative species for validation if appropriately justified. Funding under this opportunity will be delivered through a cooperative agreement mechanism, reflecting substantial federal involvement in project oversight and coordination. Although specific funding amounts, award ceilings, and total program funding are not disclosed in the forecast, the program is expected to support multiple projects that complement existing BRAIN CONNECTS awards. These projects will be integrated into a larger network of funded initiatives, collectively advancing the technical and research infrastructure necessary for large-scale neuroscience discovery. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of applicant types. Eligible entities include for-profit organizations, small businesses, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, independent school districts, tribal governments and organizations, and public housing authorities. Additionally, NIH intramural programs are also eligible to apply. This inclusive eligibility framework is designed to foster collaboration across academic, governmental, and private sectors. The application process is expected to follow standard NIH submission procedures, although specific application components are not detailed in the forecast. Applicants are encouraged to begin forming collaborations and preparing proposals in advance of the official Notice of Funding Opportunity, which is anticipated to be published in June 2025. The estimated application due date is September 1, 2025, with awards expected to be made by June 1, 2026, and project start dates aligned accordingly. Evaluation criteria are not explicitly outlined in the forecast, but applicants are advised to align proposals with the program’s emphasis on innovation, scalability, and integration with existing BRAIN CONNECTS efforts. The NIH encourages applicants to review prior awards using NIH RePORTER to ensure their proposals offer complementary capabilities. Contact information is provided for program inquiries, including a dedicated email address and phone number for NIH staff involved in the initiative. This opportunity is part of a recurring federal research funding cycle, with previous iterations supporting similar objectives. While the forecast does not explicitly confirm recurrence, the reissuance of a prior funding announcement suggests a pattern of continued investment in this research area. Applicants should monitor NIH communications for updates and prepare for future cycles accordingly.

Review previously funded projects in NIH RePORTER to ensure proposed work complements existing BRAIN CONNECTS capabilities