Brain Research Foundation Scientific Innovations Award

Brain Research Foundation Scientific Innovations Award (SIA) Program supports creative, cutting-edge research in well-established research laboratories, under the direction of distinguished investigators. The SIA Award provides funding for innovative science in both basic and clinical neuroscience. 

 

The objective of the SIA is to support projects that may be too innovative and speculative for traditional funding sources but still have a high likelihood of producing important findings. 

·         This should be a unique project for senior investigators who are encouraged to stretch their imagination into areas that can substantially change an area of research. 

·         It is expected that investigations supported by these grants will yield high impact findings and result in major grant applications and significant publications in high impact journals as well as lead to successful grant applications with NIH and other public and private funding entities.

·         Studies should be related to either normal human brain development or specifically identified disease states. This includes molecular and clinical neuroscience as well as studies of neural, sensory, motor, cognitive, behavioral and emotional functioning in health and disease. 

 

 

·         The nominated candidate must be a full-time associate professor or full professor working in the field of neuroscience.

·         Current major NIH or other peer-reviewed funding is preferred but evidence of such funding in the past three years is essential.

·         The grant proposal must detail a new research project that is not funded by other sources. This grant is not to be used as bridge funding.

·         Scientists that have previously received a BRF Scientific Innovations Award may not receive the award for a second time until five years has elapsed since the beginning date of the prior award.

·         Only one PI may apply per application.

 

·         PI is ineligible to submit if they are an assistant professor or professor emeritus.

·         Research-track faculty are ineligible.

·         PI is ineligible to submit more than one BRF SIA proposal in a funding period.

·         PI is ineligible if they have BRF funding that will overlap this grant period.

·         PI is ineligible if they are a member of the BRF Scientific Review Committee.

·         PI is ineligible if they are a relative of a BRF representative, including the SRC, as defined by the Foundation.

 

$150,000 (direct costs) for a two-year grant period. Funds must be utilized within the grant period. Certain direct costs excluded (see website for full list, e.g., graduate stipends or salaries, large laboratory equipment (over $5k), etc. 

 

 

 

·         Internal Proposal due: April 3, 2025 (by 11:59 pm)

·         Sponsor Letter of Intent (required) due: June 3, 2025

·         Sponsor Proposal (by invitation) due: September 23, 2025

INTERNAL PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
Proposals should be prepared with at least 1/2-inch margins and 11-point font size, and are required to contain the following components:

CONTACT AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For questions about this funding opportunity, please contact: Catherine Cotter, Director, Foundation Relations

For questions about the limited submission process, please contact: Katya Klyachko, Director, Research Development

 

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