Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA NS 16 006
Apply for RFA NS 16 006
- The HHS-NIH11 in the education, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BRAIN Initiative: New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Large-Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (U01)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867,.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 17, 2015 and posted on Nov 17, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 24, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Opportunity Summary:
The funding opportunity titled "BRAIN Initiative: New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Large-Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (U01)" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-NS-16-006) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) BRAIN Initiative solicitation focused on advancing next-generation neuroscience tools. Its central goal is to push beyond current technical limits so researchers can observe and influence how neural circuits operate in real time, which is considered essential for understanding how the brain processes information and drives behavior. The emphasis is on transformative capability: technologies that, if they work, would open up entirely new ways to study nervous system function rather than simply improving existing methods incrementally.
This opportunity specifically calls for proof-of-concept testing and early development of novel technologies and unconventional approaches for large-scale recording and modulation (manipulation) of neural activity. The scope highlights the need to capture dynamic signaling in the nervous system with high fidelity, ideally at or near cellular resolution. A key theme is scalability across multiple spatial and/or temporal scales, meaning applicants are encouraged to think about solutions that can bridge levels of organization (from cells to circuits to broader networks) and operate across relevant time windows (from fast electrical events to slower modulatory dynamics), rather than being confined to a single niche scale.
Another defining feature is that proposed approaches should be able to work in any brain region and throughout the full depth of the brain, reflecting a push toward tools that are not limited to superficial cortical areas or restricted experimental preparations. In practice, this points to technical barriers such as accessing deep structures, minimizing invasiveness, maintaining signal quality, achieving stable long-term measurements, integrating simultaneous recording and stimulation, and handling large numbers of channels or targets without sacrificing resolution. The FOA signals strong interest in exceptionally creative ideas that directly tackle these major challenges and deliver new experimental leverage for neuroscience.
The award mechanism is a U01 cooperative agreement, which generally indicates substantial NIH scientific and programmatic involvement during the project. Compared with a standard research project grant, a cooperative agreement often implies closer coordination with NIH staff, possible milestone-driven progress expectations, and an emphasis on producing deliverables that align with program goals. The opportunity is framed as high-risk by design, with the explicit expectation that some ideas may be technically ambitious or uncertain. At the same time, the payoff is framed as potentially profound: successful projects could significantly alter the trajectory of neuroscience research by enabling new ways to measure and control brain activity at scale.
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types: state, county, city, or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those categories as specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and additional entities as described in the full announcement. The sponsoring agency is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (listed as HHS-NIH11). Multiple CFDA program numbers are associated with the FOA (93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867), reflecting the multi-institute, cross-cutting nature of BRAIN Initiative efforts.
Key dates in the posting indicate it was created and posted on November 17, 2015, with an application closing date of February 24, 2016 (original and current closing dates match). The award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided summary fields, suggesting applicants would need to consult the full FOA text for budget guidance, project period expectations, and any limits or recommended ranges. Overall, this opportunity is aimed at teams willing to take bold technical bets to build or validate new platforms for large-scale neural recording and modulation that could enable a more complete, dynamic understanding of brain circuit function.
FAQs: BRAIN Initiative U01 - New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Large-Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (RFA-NS-16-006)
What is the name of this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is titled "BRAIN Initiative: New Technologies and Novel Approaches for Large-Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (U01)."
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FOA number)?
The Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-NS-16-006.
Which federal agency is sponsoring this opportunity?
The sponsoring agency is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), listed as HHS-NIH11.
What program or initiative is this opportunity part of?
This solicitation is part of the NIH BRAIN Initiative and focuses on advancing next-generation neuroscience tools.
What is the central goal of this FOA?
The central goal is to push beyond current technical limits so researchers can observe and influence how neural circuits operate in real time, enabling deeper understanding of how the brain processes information and drives behavior.
What types of projects is this FOA looking for?
It calls for proof-of-concept testing and early development of novel technologies and unconventional approaches for large-scale recording and modulation (manipulation) of neural activity.
Does this FOA prioritize incremental improvements or transformative technologies?
The emphasis is on transformative capability: technologies that, if successful, would open entirely new ways to study nervous system function rather than incremental improvements to existing methods.
What does "large-scale recording and modulation" mean in the context of this FOA?
Based on the description provided, it refers to technologies that can measure (record) neural activity and influence (modulate/manipulate) neural activity across large numbers of cells/targets, while maintaining high fidelity and useful resolution.
What kind of resolution is the FOA aiming for?
The scope highlights capturing dynamic signaling in the nervous system with high fidelity, ideally at or near cellular resolution.
What does scalability mean for applications under this opportunity?
Scalability is framed as working across multiple spatial and/or temporal scales. Applicants are encouraged to propose solutions that bridge levels of organization (cells to circuits to broader networks) and operate across relevant time windows (fast electrical events to slower modulatory dynamics), rather than being limited to a single niche scale.
Are projects expected to work only in specific brain regions or preparations?
No. A defining feature is that approaches should be able to work in any brain region and throughout the full depth of the brain, not only superficial cortical areas or restricted experimental preparations.
What technical barriers does the FOA highlight?
The description points to challenges such as accessing deep structures, minimizing invasiveness, maintaining signal quality, achieving stable long-term measurements, integrating simultaneous recording and stimulation, and handling large numbers of channels or targets without sacrificing resolution.
Is this opportunity considered high-risk?
Yes. It is framed as high-risk by design, with the explicit expectation that some ideas may be technically ambitious or uncertain.
What is the potential payoff NIH is looking for?
The described payoff is that successful projects could significantly alter the trajectory of neuroscience research by enabling new ways to measure and control brain activity at scale, supporting a more complete and dynamic understanding of brain circuit function.
What is the award mechanism?
The award mechanism is a U01 cooperative agreement.
What does a U01 cooperative agreement imply for how the project will be managed?
A cooperative agreement generally indicates substantial NIH scientific and programmatic involvement during the project. Compared with a standard research project grant, this can imply closer coordination with NIH staff, possible milestone-driven progress expectations, and an emphasis on deliverables aligned with program goals.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes: state, county, city, or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in those categories as specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and additional entities as described in the full announcement.
Are small businesses eligible?
Yes. Small businesses are explicitly listed among eligible applicants.
Are for-profit organizations eligible?
Yes. For-profit organizations other than small businesses are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also eligible.
Are universities and colleges eligible?
Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are included in the eligibility list.
Are government entities eligible to apply?
Yes. The eligibility list includes several government types such as state, county, city, township, and special district governments, as well as independent school districts.
Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations are included.
When was this opportunity posted?
The posting indicates it was created and posted on November 17, 2015.
What is the application due date?
The application closing date is February 24, 2016. The original and current closing dates are the same in the provided information.
Is the award ceiling listed in the provided summary?
No. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided summary fields, suggesting the full FOA would need to be consulted for budget guidance.
Is the expected number of awards listed in the provided summary?
No. The expected number of awards is not specified in the provided summary fields.
What CFDA program numbers are associated with this FOA?
Multiple CFDA program numbers are associated: 93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, and 93.867.
What does it mean that multiple CFDA numbers are associated with the FOA?
In the provided description, the multiple CFDA numbers are presented as reflecting the multi-institute, cross-cutting nature of BRAIN Initiative efforts.
What kinds of deliverables or outcomes does NIH seem to be seeking?
While specific deliverables are not listed in the provided summary, the cooperative agreement structure and program framing emphasize milestone-driven progress and producing deliverables that align with the program goal of creating or validating transformative large-scale recording and modulation technologies.
Where should applicants look for budget ranges, project period expectations, or other limits?
The provided summary indicates those details are not specified there, so applicants would need to consult the full FOA text for budget guidance, project period expectations, and any limits or recommended ranges.
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| Revision Applications for U.S-South Africa Program for Collaborative Biomedical Research (U01) Apply for RFA AI 16 040 Funding Number: RFA AI 16 040 Agency: HHS-NIH11 Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Revision Applications for U.S-South Africa Program for Collaborative Biomedical Research (R01) Apply for RFA AI 16 039 Funding Number: RFA AI 16 039 Agency: HHS-NIH11 Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health (K12) Apply for RFA OD 16 013 Funding Number: RFA OD 16 013 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Foundations of Non-Invasive Functional Human Brain Imaging and Recording - Bridging Scales and Modalities (R01) Apply for RFA MH 17 235 Funding Number: RFA MH 17 235 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $700,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: New Concepts and Early-Stage Research for Large-Scale Recording and Modulation in the Nervous System (R21) Apply for RFA EY 17 001 Funding Number: RFA EY 17 001 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $200,000 |
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| Administrative Supplements for Research on Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Populations (Admin Supp) Apply for PA 17 098 Funding Number: PA 17 098 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Team-Research BRAIN Circuit Programs - eTeamBCP (U01) Apply for RFA NS 18 008 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 008 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (U01) Apply for RFA NS 18 010 Funding Number: RFA NS 18 010 Agency: Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health, Income Security and Social Services Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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