U.S. flag
        An official website of the United States government
          Here’s how you know

      Official websites use .gov
                A
                .gov
                website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
          Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
                A lock
                  (
                  
                  )
                   or
                  https://
                   means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.Search
                Menu
    
                      Información en Español
                      Search NINDSSearch NINDS
            

            Main navigation
  

        
              Health Information
                                     Toggle Health Information Dropdown
                                Disorders
                Clinical Trials
                Patient & Caregiver Education
                Public Education
                Support Resources
                Funding
                                     Toggle Funding Dropdown
                                Find Funding Opportunities
                About Funding
                Preparing Your Application
                After You Submit
                Determining Your Funding Likelihood
                Manage Your Award
                NINDS Small Business Program
                Training & Career Development
                Current Research
                                     Toggle Current Research Dropdown
                                Coronavirus and NINDS
                Focus on Disorders
                Focus on Tools & Topics
                Research Funded by NINDS
                Research at NINDS
                Scientific Resources
                Trans-Agency Activities
                News & Events
                                     Toggle News & Events Dropdown
                                Events
                News
                Director's Messages
                About NINDS
                                     Toggle About NINDS Dropdown
                                Who We Are
                What We Do
                Job Opportunities 
 Home
                                Current Research
                        Focus on Tools & Topics
SHARE: Focus On Neural Engineering Research
Image
              Researcher looking through microscope lense. Focus On Bioengineering ban
NINDS supports Neural Engineering research through programs in the Divisions of Neuroscience, Translational Research, and Clinical Research. The combined portfolio spans early concept generation, technology development/optimization, translational studies and clinical trials. Funded projects focus on neuroscientific discovery and/or the development of clinical strategies (diagnostic or therapeutic) relevant to disorders of the nervous system. Neural Engineering applications may be funded by NINDS if they focus on technology development relevant to normal or disordered neural function and to the prevention, repair or replacement of compromised neural function. Funded applications include partnerships that span academic entities (biological, bioengineering, biomedical groups), device industries, commercial distribution companies, medical instrument companies, small business concerns, etc. Final stages of translation for FDA investigational device exemption (IDE) and early-stage clinical trials might be a candidate for one of the NINDS cooperative agreement programs. To search the neural engineering projects funded at NIH please go to NIH RePORTER. Many of the NINDS funded neural engineering research focuses on neural interfaces, including neuroprostheses, neuromodulation, brain-computer interface (BCI) devices, prosthetic control, and neural interface technology development.

Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories

Research/Disease Areas*
			FY 2021
			(Actual)
			FY 2022
			(Actual)
			FY 2023
			Estimated
			FY 2024
			EstimatedBioengineering
			$5,720
			$6,231
			$6,635
			$6,762Biomedical Imaging
			$2,774
			$3,101
			$3,265
			$3,364Nanotechnology
			$729
			$765
			$805
			$826Biotechnology
			$7,847
			$8,604
			$8,960
			$9,137Assistive Technology
			$394
			$392
			$418
			$421

*Dollars in millions and rounded
 
*To learn more about this NIH Investment, please visit the Categorical Spending site and enter "Bioengineering, Biomedical Imaging, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Assistive Technology".*

Related Federal Programs

NINDS participates in many trans-NIH bioengineering programs including those listed below. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their research and application plans with NINDS Program Staff prior to submission. A complete, searchable list is available under funding. For more information, please contact Dr. Nick Langhals, Program Director – Neural Engineering.

Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) Innovative Approaches to Science and Engineering Research on Brain Function

Through the CRCNS program, participating NSF DOs, NIH ICs, BMBF, ANRS and BSF support innovative interdisciplinary collaborative research to make significant advances in the understanding of structures and functions of the nervous system, mechanisms underlying nervous system disorders, and computational strategies used by the nervous system.

The participating agencies recognize the need for research that focuses on integrating computational models and methods with neuroscience. Appropriate scientific areas of investigations are those that are currently supported by NSF and NIH, or related to the missions of the two agencies. By participating in this broadly based program of cooperation between agencies, the NIH will focus on creating new research teams of biomedical and quantitative scientists to explore questions directly relevant to the missions of participating NIH ICs.

Two classes of proposals will be considered in response to this solicitation:

**Research proposals** - describing collaborative research projects
	**Data Sharing Proposals** - to enable sharing of data and other resourcesBioengineering Research Grants and Partnerships

NINDS accepts applications for Bioengineering Research Grants (BRG), and Bioengineering Research Partnerships (BRP) that address technology development and optimization specific to the NINDS mission of basic and translational research to reduce the burden of neurological diseases.

Biomarkers

The NINDS Biomarkers Program supports rigorous clinical and analytical validation existing candidate biomarker measures or endpoints in a manner that is consistent with the purpose of the biomarker, and FDA guidelines. The goal of this program is to facilitate the advancement of robust and reliable biomarkers of diseases that fall within the mission of NINDS to application in clinical trials and practice (Phase II clinical trials and beyond).

Smart and Connected Health

Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF) have identified Smart and Connected Health as a program focus. The purpose of this interagency program solicitation is the development of technologies, analytics and models supporting next generation health and medical research through high-risk, high-reward advances in computer and information science, engineering and technology, behavior, cognition, robotics and imaging. NINDS is particularly interested in research that advances technologies and systems with the potential to decrease the burden of neurological disorders and stroke. For more information, visit the Smart and Connected Health website.

Translational Neural Devices

The NINDS Translational Neural Devices program provides support for translational activities and small clinical studies to advance the development of therapeutic or diagnostic devices that affect the nervous or neuromuscular systems. The pre-clinical/translational device activities, including translational bench and animal studies, are expected to lead to an Investigation Device Exemption (IDE) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to support a small clinical trial, or a Non-Significant Risk (NSR) designation from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) indicating that the study does not require an IDE. This cooperative agreement program will also support the subsequent small clinical trial to collect safety and effectiveness data required to support a marketing application, or to inform final device design. For more information visit the Translational Neural Devices website.

Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® (BRAIN) Initiative

The BRAIN Initiative is aimed at revolutionizing our understanding of the human brain. By accelerating the development and application of innovative technologies, researchers will be able to produce a revolutionary new dynamic picture of the brain that, for the first time, shows how individual cells and complex neural circuits interact in both time and space. Bioengineering opportunities within the BRAIN Initiative span from concept generation through small clinical studies. For more information and a list of funding opportunities visit the NIH BRAIN Initiative website or the BRAIN Initiative Alliance website.

Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions (SPARC)

All organs in the body are stimulated by nerves, which send signals that affect the organ’s function. Methods and medical devices that modulate these nerve signals are a potentially powerful way to treat many diseases and conditions, such as hypertension, heart failure, gastrointestinal disorders, type II diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and more. The Common Fund’s SPARC program aims to transform our understanding of these nerve-organ interactions and ultimately advance the neuromodulation field toward precise treatment of diseases and conditions for which conventional therapies fall short. For more information and a list of funding opportunities visit the SPARC website.

Proceedings & Outcomes

Workshop on Standards and Modularity of Brain-Computer Interfaces & Neuroprostheses*June 30, 2016* | Rockville, MD

Resources and Tools

Contacts

Nsini Umoh, Ph.D. | Program Director, Neural Engineeringnsini.umoh@nih.gov

Funding Opportunities



Important Considerations When Preparing Your Application

When developing your research plan and assembling your application materials, consider how these factors can enhance the scientific merits of your work and be enhanced by achieving your scientific goals.

Rigor and Transparency
	Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility
	Data Management and Sharing

Bioengineering Research Grants (BRG, R01) PAR-22-242, PAR-22-243

BRAIN Initiative: Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human CNS (UG3/UH3) NS-17-005; (U44 for Small Businesses) NS-17-007

BRAIN Initiative: Clinical Studies to Advance Next-Generation Invasive Devices for Recording and Modulation in the Human CNS (UH3) NS-17-006

Joint NINDS/NIMH Exploratory Neuroscience Research Grant (R21) PA-21-219

NeuroNEXT Clinical Trials (U01, U44) PAR-21-223, PAR-21-224

NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials (U01, R43/R44, R41/R42) PAR-21-236, PAR-21-266, PAR-21-267

Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science (SCH, R01) NSF 21-530

Translational Neural Devices (UG3/UH3, U44) RFA-NS-21-021, RFA-NS-21-022

News & Events

Waterlogged brain region helps scientists gauge damage caused by Parkinson’s disease

Study finds spinal cord stimulation may restore arm and hand mobility after stroke



Related Topics

FDA resources and guidance on Neurological Devices
The BRAIN Initiative webinar series consists of 30 minute presentations from BRAIN-funded investigators developing recording and modulation technologies.

BRAIN Initiative Webinar Series
The BRAIN Initiative webinar series consists of 30 minute presentations from BRAIN-funded investigators developing recording and modulation technologies.

Best Practices for Navigating the Pre-submission process with FDA

FDA Regulation of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices: Access to Safe and Effective Neurotechnologies for All Americans Current Research
  
    

    Coronavirus and NINDS
                                                              
                    
                                      COVID-19 News & Events
    
            Coronavirus and the Nervous System
    
            ResourcesFocus on Disorders
                                                              
                    
                                      Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
                                                              
                    
                                      Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
    
            Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) Research
    
            Mixed-Etiology Dementias (MED) Research
    
            Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID)Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
    
            Epilepsy Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Curing the Epilepsies: The Promise of Research
    
            Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP)Pain Research
    
            Parkinson's Disease Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Parkinson's Disease: Challenges, Progress, and Promise
    
            Parkinson’s Disease Research Centers of ExcellenceSpinal Cord Injury Research
    
            Traumatic Brain Injury Research
                                                              
                    
                                      NIH Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Diagnosis ConferenceUndiagnosed Disease Network
        
  
              
    
            Focus on Tools & Topics
                                                              
                    
                                      Biomarkers Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Biomarker Program FAQs
    
            Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Biospecimen Resource Access Committee (ME/CFS BRAC)Health Disparities Research
    
            Focus on the Neural Exposome
    
            Neural Engineering Research
    
            Neuroethics
    
            Stem Cell Research
        
  
              
    
            Research Funded by NINDS
                                                              
                    
                                      Clinical Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Office of Global Health and Health Disparities
                                                              
                    
                                      HERN Initiative
    
            U.S.-Japan Brain Research Cooperative Program (BRCP)NeuroNEXT
                                                              
                    
                                      NeuroNEXT Clinical SitesNeuroscience Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Fundamental Neuroscience ResearchTranslational Research
                                                              
                    
                                      Active Projects for Partnering
    
            CREATE Bio
                                                              
                    
                                      CREATE Bio Application Support Library
    
            CREATE Bio Contract Resources/Consultants
    
            CREATE Bio Guidance DocumentsDTR Staff Publications about Programs
    
            Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE Program)
                                                              
                    
                                      IGNITE - Definitions for Key Terms
    
            IGNITE Milestone ExamplesONETOX: Neural Exposome and Toxicology Programs
                                                              
                    
                                      The Neural Exposome
    
            Chemical Threats
    
            Chemical SafetyTranslational Devices
                                                              
                    
                                      Device Frequently Asked Questions
    
            Human Open Research Neural Engineering Technologies (HORNET) initiative
    
            Milestones for Translational Device Cooperative AgreementsUltra-rare Gene-based Therapy (URGenT) Network
                                                              
                    
                                      Current URGenT Projects
    
            URGenT External Consultant Board (ECB) Members
    
            URGenT Project Consultants & ContractsResearch at NINDS
                                                              
                    
                                      Blue Ribbon Panel Review of NINDS Intramural Research Program
                                                              
                    
                                      Blue Ribbon Panel Highlights
    
            Blue Ribbon Panel Roster
    
            Charge to the Blue Ribbon Panel
    
            Executive Summary of the NINDS Blue Ribbon Panel ReviewScientific Resources
                                                              
                    
                                      Animal Models
    
            Cell/Tissue/DNA
    
            Clinical and Translational Resources
    
            Gene ExpressionTrans-Agency Activities
                                                              
                    
                                      CounterACT Program
                                                              
                    
                                      CounterACT Contract Core Resources
    
            CounterACT Publications
    
            CounterACT Scientific Research Contacts
    
            Current CounterACT Researchers & Projects
    
            FDA Guidance Documents
    
            NIH CounterACT Researcher Honors and AwardsICARE: Interagency Collaborative to Advance Research in Epilepsy
    
            Interagency Research Coordinating Committees
    
            NINDS' Role in the HEAL Initiative
                                                              
                    
                                      Early Phase Pain Investigation Clinical Network (EPPIC-Net)
    
            Pain Therapeutics Development Program
    
            Preclinical Screening Platform for Pain (PSPP)Office of Emergency Care Research
                                                              
                    
                                      OECR Funded Awards
    
            Research Involving an Exception from Informed ConsentRigor & Transparency
                                                              
                    
                                      Initiative to Improve Education in the Principles of Rigorous Research
    
            Rigor Champions and Opportunities
                                                              
                    
                                      NINDS Sustainable Transformation of Institutional Research Rigor (STIRR) Initiative
    
            Rigor IconsRigor and Transparency Resources

Did you find the content you were looking for?
  Yes, I did find the content I was looking for



No, I did not find the content I was looking forPlease rate how easy it was to navigate the NINDS website
  Very easy to navigate



Easy to navigate



Neutral



Difficult to navigate



Very difficult to navigateThank you for letting us know! Any other feedback?Submit

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policyand Terms of Serviceapply.

      Last reviewed on March 26, 2024
        Contact Us
  

        
              Contact NINDS
                Visitor Information
        Related Sites
  

        
              Site Map
                National Institutes of Health
                Department of Health & Human Services
                USA.gov
        Policies
  

        
              Accessibility
                Freedom of Information Act
                Linking Policy
                Privacy Statement
                Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
Follow NINDS On Social Media
          
          National Institutes of Health (NIH)
          9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892