[WTI-trainee] FW: BRAIN NeuroAI Community Updates — Inaugural Message

Tue Mar 31 13:45:20 EDT 2026

Sharing in case you are interested. There is information at the bottom of the email for how to continue receiving NIH BRAIN NeuroAI communications.

Best,

Giovanna

From: BRAIN NeuroAI Programs <BRAIN-NeuroAI-Programs at NIH.GOV>
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 9:56 AM
To: BRAIN-NEUROAI-UPDATES at LIST.NIH.GOV <BRAIN-NEUROAI-UPDATES at LIST.NIH.GOV>
Subject: BRAIN NeuroAI Community Updates — Inaugural Message

Dear colleagues,

Welcome to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative’s new NeuroAI Community Updates listserv. Mark your calendars for the BRAIN Conference 2026! Continue reading below to learn more about submitting NIH applications related to the BRAIN Initiative’s NeuroAI Highlighted Topic.

BRAIN Conference 2026: Inventing the Future
August 11–13 · North Bethesda Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
BRAIN Conference 2026 will feature Innovation Domain sessions on Thursday, August 13, including a NeuroAI roadmap session focused on the state of the art, current gaps, and scientific opportunities. Registration will open on the BRAIN Initiative website<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/> on March 30, 2026.

NeuroAI Highlighted Topic: Guidance for applying
NIH has published a Highlighted Topic<https://grants.nih.gov/funding/find-a-fit-for-your-research/highlighted-topics> identifying the BRAIN Initiative’s interests in NeuroAI: Highlighted Topic on BRAIN Initiative: Data Knowledgebase Ecosystem and NeuroAI Integration<https://grants.nih.gov/funding/find-a-fit-for-your-research/highlighted-topics/18>.

  *   How to apply: Submit through a parent announcement<https://grants.nih.gov/funding/explore-nih-opportunities/parent-announcements> (e.g., R01, R21) to an NIH Institute or Center that partners with BRAIN<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/about/brain-partners>. Reference the Highlighted Topic by name on your Specific Aims page so we can identify your application.
  *   Timing: This Highlighted Topic expires September 29, 2026. Submit by Cycle II receipt dates, May 25 through August 12. Check the Standard Due Dates table<https://grants.nih.gov/grants-process/submit/submission-policies/standard-due-dates> for your activity code.
  *   Review: Applications follow the standard study section and IC review process. There is no special pathway or set-aside funding. Once we identify an HT-flagged application, BRAIN program staff can consider it for funding or co-funding.
  *   After you submit: Notify us at BRAIN-KB-NeuroAI at nih.gov<mailto:BRAIN-KB-NeuroAI at nih.gov?subject=BRAIN%20NeuroAI%20Update> with your application ID.

Consider applying if your research aligns with the BRAIN Initiative’s bidirectional vision for NeuroAI: See “What does NeuroAI mean for BRAIN?” below. Email BRAIN-KB-NeuroAI at nih.gov<mailto:BRAIN-KB-NeuroAI at nih.gov?subject=BRAIN%20NeuroAI%20Inquiry> with questions about this Highlighted Topic.

Related funding opportunities
Additionally, you may consider whether your project is appropriate for submission to one of the following BRAIN Initiative funding opportunities and forecasts:

BRAIN Initiative: Technology Integration and Dissemination (U24)
RFA-NS-27-001<https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/358859> | Next due date: June 10, 2026
This program supports research resource grants for integrating and disseminating BRAIN-funded technologies. See the BRAIN U24 program page<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/research/dissemination/u24-program> for details. Contact BRAIN_Dissemination at mail.nih.gov<mailto:BRAIN_Dissemination at mail.nih.gov?subject=RFA-NS-27-001> with questions, ideally one month before the due date.

BRAIN Initiative: New Tools for Neural Recording and Modulation (R01)
RFA-NS-25-018<https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-NS-25-018.html> | Next due date: June 15, 2026
This program supports proof-of-concept development of new tools and approaches for recording and modulating neural activity. Contact BRAIN-FOAs at nih.gov<mailto:BRAIN-FOAs at nih.gov?subject=RFA-NS-25-018> with questions about program fit before the due date.

BRAIN Initiative: Integrative Team-Research BRAIN Circuits Program — iTeamBCP (RM1)
RFA-NS-26-011<https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/ffe98704-96a8-4f41-a32b-49edd0409006> | Forecasted — estimated due date: June 16, 2026
This reissue will solicit teams of 3–6 PDs/PIs to understand how the nervous system gives rise to mental experience and behavior, integrating circuit, in vivo recordings, and behavioral analyses. Contact BRAINCircuits at nih.gov<mailto:BRAINCircuits at nih.gov?subject=RFA-NS-26-011> to learn more.

BRAIN Initiative: Theories, Models and Methods for Complex Brain Data Analysis (R01)
RFA-DA-27-004<https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-27-004.html> | Next due date: October 6, 2026
The TMM program supports theories, computational models, and analytical methods that advance quantitative understanding of brain function across scales. Contact BRAINTheoriesFOA at mail.nih.gov<mailto:BRAINTheoriesFOA at mail.nih.gov?subject=RFA-DA-27-004> with questions about the program.

What does NeuroAI mean for BRAIN?
The BRAIN Initiative defines NeuroAI as a bidirectional scientific exchange between neuroscience and artificial intelligence — a virtuous circle where genuine engagement with biological and computational principles advances theories, frameworks, and technological advances in both fields. The Initiative seeks transformative NeuroAI research that spans the following complementary directions:

  *   Interpretability through grounding — developing interpretable models or platforms that map computational or adaptive mechanisms to identifiable neural features, such as circuit motifs, cell-type-specific dynamics, or network organization. NeuroAI emphasizes grounding in structure-function constraints that reveal shared principles and advance frameworks for understanding natural intelligence.
  *   Neuromorphic and brain-inspired computing — advancing brain-like hardware and algorithms inspired by neural circuits, biological learning rules, and large-scale brain architecture. This includes energy-efficient platforms that adapt to individual variations through real-time processing, such as model-in-the-loop research approaches and neuromorphic devices with potential health applications.
  *   Embodied intelligence and brain-body systems — bridging the “embodiment gap” between AI and the real-world capabilities of living systems by investigating how environmental interactions, closed-loop feedback, and continuous control of brain-body systems, including neuronal and non-neuronal cellular interactions, give rise to adaptive behavior and learning across the lifespan.

These directions share a common commitment: biological constraints ground brain-like model systems, while interpretable mechanisms translate discoveries into impact. This bidirectional exchange distinguishes BRAIN NeuroAI from the broader application of AI and machine learning as tools for data analysis.

Reports and resources
BRAIN NeuroAI Workshop (November 2024)

  *   The NIH BRAIN Initiative hosted a two-day workshop<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/news-events/events/brain-neuroai-workshop> on NeuroAI in November 2024, bringing together researchers from neuroscience, AI, and neuromorphic engineering to discuss the future of the field.
  *   See the Final Program Book (PDF)<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024%20NIH%20BRAIN%20NeuroAI%20Workshop%20Final%20Program%20Book_508c%201.pdf> and Workshop Summary (PDF)<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/BRAIN%20NeuroAI%20Workshop%20Summary_2024_508c.pdf> on the BRAIN website.

BRAIN Initiative Research Roadmap

  *   BRAIN Initiative Report (PDF)<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/BRAIN%20Initiative%20Report_508c.pdf> — Overview and vision for the BRAIN Initiative’s research roadmap
  *   BRAIN Research Roadmap Innovation Domains (PDF)<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/BRAIN%20Research%20Roadmap%20Innovation%20Domains_508c.pdf> — Comprehensive report on four innovation domains including BRAIN Knowledgebase and NeuroAI.

NSF NeuroAI and Beyond Workshop Report (Preprint)

  *   NeuroAI and Beyond: NSF Workshop Final Report<https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.19955> — Fellous, Cauwenberghs, Fermüller, Sandamirskaya, and Sejnowski (2025). Report from the NSF-sponsored workshop on future directions for NeuroAI.

Stay connected
You are receiving this message because of your participation in BRAIN-supported NeuroAI workshops, direct inquiries, or related interactions. This mailing list will provide updates about the Initiative’s NeuroAI funding opportunities, community resources, and events. For general inquiries, email BRAIN-NeuroAI-Programs at nih.gov<mailto:BRAIN-NeuroAI-Programs at nih.gov?subject=BRAIN%20NeuroAI%20Inquiry> or visit the BRAIN Initiative website<https://braininitiative.nih.gov/>. Manage your subscription:

  *   Subscribe: Send email to listserv at list.nih.gov<mailto:listserv at list.nih.gov> with the message body:
SUBSCRIBE BRAIN-NEUROAI-UPDATES Firstname Lastname
  *   Unsubscribe: Send email to listserv at list.nih.gov<mailto:listserv at list.nih.gov> with the message body:
SIGNOFF BRAIN-NEUROAI-UPDATES

Please forward this list to your colleagues — including trainees, groups, or organizations — who may be interested.

Best regards,

Grace M. Hwang, Ph.D., AIMBE
Program Director
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
grace.hwang at nih.gov<mailto:grace.hwang at nih.gov>

Joseph D. Monaco, Ph.D.
Scientific Program Manager [C]
Office of the BRAIN Director
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
joseph.monaco at nih.gov<mailto:joseph.monaco at nih.gov>

On behalf of the members of the NIH BRAIN NeuroAI Working Group.

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