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BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

US · MD National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant open #RFA-DC-27-004
Response due Feb 11, 2027 · 00:00 UTC

Summary

This NIH BRAIN Initiative opportunity (RFA-DC-27-004) funds exploratory research using invasive neural recording and stimulating technologies in the human brain. It is structured as an R61 mechanism, which is a milestone-driven exploratory/developmental research phase. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this funding opportunity. The solicitation is open from May 2026 through February 2027 and is administered by the National Institutes of Health.

What they want

Fund exploratory research projects that leverage invasive neural recording and stimulating technologies directly in the human brain under the NIH BRAIN Initiative. The R61 mechanism supports an initial milestone-driven phase of high-risk, high-reward research. Clinical trials are explicitly excluded. Proposed research must be exploratory in nature and aimed at advancing understanding of neural circuits and brain function through invasive methods (e.g., intracranial electrodes, deep brain stimulation devices, electrocorticography arrays).
Technical requirements
  • Research must use invasive neural recording and/or stimulating technologies in the human brain
  • Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed
  • Must conform to NIH R61 milestone-driven exploratory research mechanism
  • Research must be exploratory in nature

How they evaluate

Submission: Grants.gov federal grants portal (electronic submission)

Risks & flags

  • Clinical trial exclusion may narrow eligible research designs significantly
  • Invasive human neural technologies requirement is highly specialized, limiting the pool of eligible applicants to a small set of institutions with existing IRB-approved access to such technologies

Market context

inferred from NAICS
R&D in Physical, Engineering, Life Sciences (except Nanotech & Biotech)
NAICS 541715
US market size
$95B
Typical award
$100K – $50M+
Typical buyers
DoDNSFNIHNASADOE
Commonly required
DCAA-compliant accountingITARCMMC L2
BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opp…
Due Feb 11
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