Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA MH 20 310
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "BRAIN Initiative: Non-Invasive Neuromodulation - New Tools and Techniques for Spatiotemporal Precision (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number RFA-MH-20-310) supports research projects aimed at improving how scientists and clinicians can non-invasively modulate brain activity with far greater precision in both space (targeting the right cells, circuits, or regions) and time (controlling when and how stimulation occurs). The announcement sits within the broader goals of the NIH BRAIN Initiative, which prioritizes the development of transformative neurotechnologies that can reveal and influence brain function. The mechanism is an NIH R01 research project grant, and clinical trials are allowed but not required, which means applicants can propose either preclinical/technology development work, human studies that do not meet the definition of a clinical trial, or clinical trial activities when appropriate to evaluate safety, feasibility, or early effectiveness.
The FOA is organized around two related but clearly distinct research tracks. The first track emphasizes the creation and validation of genuinely new non-invasive neuromodulation tools and methods that go beyond established stimulation approaches. In practical terms, this means the NIH is looking for innovations that are not simply incremental tweaks to common modalities, but rather new techniques, new device concepts, new stimulation paradigms, or new ways to steer energy into the brain that could open up capabilities not possible today. A central theme is spatiotemporal precision, so projects are expected to grapple with fundamental limitations such as poor focality, insufficient depth targeting, variability across individuals, and difficulty linking stimulation parameters to consistent neural effects. Successful projects under this track would typically include rigorous development work, engineering and computational modeling, experimental testing, and clear performance benchmarks that demonstrate improved targeting, controllability, and interpretability of neuromodulatory effects.
The second track focuses on optimizing existing non-invasive stimulation methods rather than inventing entirely new ones. This includes improving how current modalities are delivered, targeted, and individualized, as well as developing better strategies for parameter selection, closed-loop control, and integration with sensing technologies. In this optimization-focused area, the expectation is that applicants will use careful measurement and validation to substantially improve reliability and precision of established stimulation tools, potentially by refining waveforms, electrode or coil designs, stimulation patterns, image- or model-guided targeting, or algorithms that adapt stimulation in real time based on physiological feedback. The intent is not merely to use an existing technique in a new application, but to advance the technique itself so it produces more predictable, reproducible, and interpretable effects on neural circuits.
This is a discretionary grant opportunity under the federal assistance system, using the grant funding instrument. The activity categories associated with the listing include education and health-related research and services, and it is tied to multiple CFDA program numbers (93.173, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.279, 93.286, 93.853, 93.865, 93.866, 93.867), reflecting the multi-institute nature of NIH neuroscience and mental health research support. While the source data does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, the R01 format generally supports multi-year, hypothesis-driven or technology-driven projects with a scope large enough to produce well-validated tools, methods, or optimization frameworks that the broader community can build upon.
Eligibility for this FOA is broad and includes many types of U.S.-based organizations as well as certain non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local 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; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible entities. The FOA explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, tribal governments that are not federally recognized, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities or foreign organizations. This breadth signals an intent to encourage participation across diverse institutional settings and to support collaborations that combine neuroscience, engineering, computation, and clinical expertise.
Key administrative details in the provided record include an original closing date of October 15, 2020, and a creation date of June 27, 2019. Overall, the opportunity is designed for teams that can push the field toward non-invasive neuromodulation approaches that are more precise, more controllable, and more reliable, whether through breakthrough new modalities or through major performance and usability gains in techniques that already exist.Apply for RFA MH 20 310
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health, income security and social services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BRAIN Initiative: Non-Invasive Neuromodulation - New Tools and Techniques for Spatiotemporal Precision (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" 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 2019-06-27.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-10-15. (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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title and funding opportunity number for this NIH grant?
The opportunity is titled "BRAIN Initiative: Non-Invasive Neuromodulation - New Tools and Techniques for Spatiotemporal Precision (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is RFA-MH-20-310.
Which NIH initiative is this funding opportunity associated with?
This funding opportunity sits within the broader goals of the NIH BRAIN Initiative, which prioritizes developing transformative neurotechnologies to reveal and influence brain function.
What is the overall purpose of this FOA?
The FOA supports research projects aimed at improving non-invasive modulation of brain activity with much greater precision in both space (targeting specific cells, circuits, or regions) and time (controlling when and how stimulation occurs).
What grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?
The mechanism is an NIH R01 research project grant.
Are clinical trials required under this FOA?
No. Clinical trials are allowed but not required ("clinical trial optional"). Applicants may propose preclinical or technology development work, human studies that do not meet the definition of a clinical trial, or clinical trial activities when appropriate.
If clinical trials are optional, what kinds of studies can be proposed?
Based on the description provided, applicants can propose (1) preclinical and/or technology development work, (2) human studies that do not meet the definition of a clinical trial, or (3) clinical trial activities to evaluate safety, feasibility, or early effectiveness when appropriate.
How is the research scope organized in this FOA?
The FOA is organized into two related but clearly distinct research tracks: (1) development and validation of genuinely new non-invasive neuromodulation tools and methods, and (2) optimization of existing non-invasive stimulation methods.
What does Track 1 focus on?
Track 1 emphasizes creating and validating genuinely new non-invasive neuromodulation tools and methods that go beyond established stimulation approaches, aiming for major advances in spatiotemporal precision.
What does NIH mean by "genuinely new" tools in Track 1?
In practical terms, the FOA indicates NIH is seeking innovations that are not simply incremental tweaks to common modalities, but instead new techniques, device concepts, stimulation paradigms, or new ways to steer energy into the brain that enable capabilities not currently possible.
What scientific and technical limitations are projects expected to address?
The FOA highlights fundamental limitations such as poor focality, insufficient depth targeting, variability across individuals, and difficulty linking stimulation parameters to consistent neural effects.
What kinds of activities are typically included in Track 1 projects?
The description suggests Track 1 projects would typically involve rigorous development work, engineering and computational modeling, experimental testing, and clear performance benchmarks demonstrating improved targeting, controllability, and interpretability of neuromodulatory effects.
What does Track 2 focus on?
Track 2 focuses on optimizing existing non-invasive stimulation methods by improving how current modalities are delivered, targeted, and individualized, and by developing better strategies for parameter selection, closed-loop control, and integration with sensing technologies.
Does Track 2 support using an existing technique in a new application?
The FOA indicates the intent is not merely to use an existing technique in a new application, but to advance the technique itself so it produces more predictable, reproducible, and interpretable effects on neural circuits.
What are examples of optimization approaches mentioned for Track 2?
Examples described include refining waveforms, electrode or coil designs, stimulation patterns, image- or model-guided targeting, and algorithms that adapt stimulation in real time based on physiological feedback.
What is the main theme across both research tracks?
A central theme is spatiotemporal precision, meaning better control of where stimulation acts in the brain and when/how stimulation is delivered.
What type of federal assistance instrument is used?
This is a discretionary grant opportunity under the federal assistance system, using the grant funding instrument.
What activity categories are associated with this listing?
The activity categories include education and health-related research and services.
Which CFDA program numbers are associated with this opportunity?
The listing is tied to multiple CFDA program numbers: 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 listed?
Based on the provided description, the multiple CFDA numbers reflect the multi-institute nature of NIH neuroscience and mental health research support for this opportunity.
Is an award ceiling specified in the information provided?
No. The provided record does not specify an award ceiling.
Is the expected number of awards specified?
No. The provided record does not specify the expected number of awards.
What does the R01 format generally support in this context?
The description notes that the R01 format generally supports multi-year, hypothesis-driven or technology-driven projects with a scope large enough to produce well-validated tools, methods, or optimization frameworks that the broader community can build upon.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many U.S.-based organizations as well as certain non-U.S. entities. Eligible applicants include state, county, and local 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; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other eligible entities.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights U.S. territories or possessions as eligible applicant types.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA explicitly includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities or foreign organizations as eligible.
Are federally recognized tribal governments eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible applicants.
Are tribal governments that are not federally recognized eligible?
Yes. The FOA highlights tribal governments that are not federally recognized as eligible.
Are minority-serving institutions explicitly encouraged or included?
Yes. The FOA highlights Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISIs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) among eligible applicant types.
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights faith-based or community-based organizations as eligible applicant types.
Are federal agencies eligible applicants?
Yes. The FOA highlights eligible federal agencies among the eligible applicant types.
What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?
The provided record includes a creation date of June 27, 2019, and an original closing date of October 15, 2020.
What kind of teams is this opportunity designed for?
The opportunity is designed for teams that can push non-invasive neuromodulation toward approaches that are more precise, more controllable, and more reliable, either through breakthrough new modalities or major performance and usability gains in existing techniques.
What outcomes or deliverables does NIH appear to value based on the description?
Based on the information provided, NIH appears to value tools, methods, or optimization frameworks that are well-validated and demonstrated with clear performance benchmarks, and that improve targeting, controllability, reliability, reproducibility, and interpretability of neuromodulatory effects.
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