2025 Seed Funding is sponsored by University of Virginia Brain Institute. Seed funding for collaborative neuroscience research projects covering basic science, translational, clinical, and population research.

Transformative Neuroscience Pilot Grants 2025 | Brain Institute The UVA Brain Institute offers a seed funding program for transformative neuroscience research projects. The purpose of the program is to tackle important questions, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and perform groundbreaking work that will enhance our research enterprise.

First cycle – 23 applications, 7 awards Second cycle – 30 applications, 7 awards Proposed projects must be collaborative (at least 2 primary investigators) and may be on any subject related to neuroscience. Projects may be basic, translational, or clinical research, or a combination. Faculty from across the University are invited to apply; no more than one proposal per faculty member will be accepted each cycle.

Please consult the FAQs for questions about these guidelines. Successful proposals will have high potential for scientific impact and concrete plans for pursuing subsequent extramural funding. Priority may be given to proposals that include novel collaborations and/or proposals that align with the Grand Challenges Research Investments in Brain & Neuroscience priority areas of research.

Awards of up to $50,000 will be given for the duration of one year. Proposals that include human subjects research may be eligible for additional support or extended project periods. Cost sharing is encouraged.

After initial review, a small number of applicants may be invited for a short oral presentation to the review committee for final selection. These presentations are currently scheduled for the morning of Tuesday, October 21. Brief written feedback may be returned to applicants.

Required Proposal Components: Project description (2 pages) should include the following: Innovation & potential scientific impact Project milestones at 6 months References Cited (not in above page limit) Biographical Sketches for Key Personnel (NIH-style) List engagement in UVA neuroscience community. Budget (up to 1 page per PI) Detailed budget, including costs categorized as personnel and OTPS (equipment, supplies, travel, other).

This will be used for account set up and central fiscal oversight if awarded. Each PI is required to submit a separate budget; funds will be allocated accordingly if awarded. Faculty salaries are not permitted; refer to FAQs for additional budget information.

Provide a list of funding sources, amounts, and timelines. Lab/team Impact Statement (up to 1 page) Describe the impact that this award will have on the trajectory of your team. Plans for Extramural Support: Provide a list of planned future proposals including agency/foundation and submission dates.

*Additional information regarding the proposal may be requested following initial review. Criteria for Evaluation Include: Scientific merit – Significance, Innovation, Approach Potential for scientific impact and future extramural funding Potential impact that the pilot award will have on this project and team Proposal Submission Format: Assemble entire application as a single PDF file titled: “Lastname_Firstname_2025PilotGrant.

pdf” Upload your application via our online application form . As part of the online application, you will be asked to provide the names and departments of up to three UVA-affiliated individuals well-suited to review your application. Transformative Neuroscience Pilot Grants FAQ Frequently Asked Questions for the Transformative Neuroscience Pilot Grant program