Research Opportunities in Brain-Computer Interface Technologies

Research Opportunities in Brain-Computer Interface Technologies is a grant from the National Science Foundation that funds research to advance understanding of the brain and develop brain-computer interface technologies that improve human health and capabilities.

NSF's Understanding the Brain initiative supports interdisciplinary projects spanning neuroscience, engineering, and computing to decode brain function and translate findings into life-improving technologies. Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, state and local governments, and individuals. Grant amounts vary by award type and project scope.

Understanding the Brain | NSF - U.S. National Science Foundation View image credit & caption The U.S. National Science Foundation invests in research to understand the complex inner workings of the brain and to use this knowledge to develop technologies that improve people's lives and further the advancement of science.

To yield these insights, NSF supports creative and integrative research across diverse areas of science and engineering. These strategic investments will facilitate research and infrastructure development to revolutionize our understanding of ourselves, our relationships with others and our interactions with our constantly changing environment.

NSF's strategic investments support research and infrastructure that will revolutionize the understanding of the brain. Pioneering work supported by NSF includes: NSF-funded research has contributed to the development of neuromorphic computing systems. These systems mimic the architecture and functioning of the human brain, leading to advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

NSF-funded researchers created new technologies for mapping the connectome of the brain. This comprehensive map illustrates neural connections that affect brain function. Novel human-robot interfaces NSF-funded research has facilitated direct brain-to-device communication to improve the accessibility and user-friendliness of robotic prosthetics and other assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities.

AI and brain data science NSF-funded research has leveraged AI and data science to tackle biomedical and public health challenges, such as enhancing neurological rehabilitation methods, developing diagnostic tools for neurological diseases and implementing innovative healthcare approaches.

Neural mechanisms and processes Much remains to be discovered and understood about how the nervous system is organized and operates — from the basic components, processes and mechanisms of nervous systems to how the system controls complex behavior and cognitive function.

NSF advances this endeavor by supporting a range of research across scales, from the molecular to the complex behavioral aspects of organisms, incorporating various perspectives and approaches. NSF programs supporting neural research Supports organismal neuroscience studies to understand how behaviors are produced by neural and physiological mechanisms and how they are shaped by evolutionary processes.

Supports species-specific and comparative studies and modeling and theoretical approaches. Biomechanics and Mechanobiology Supports research that enhances the understanding of engineering biomechanics and mechanobiology, from the sub-cellular to whole organism level.

Supports fundamental engineering research in the monitoring, identification and quantification of biological analytes using innovations at the intersection of engineering, life sciences and information technology. Cellular Dynamics and Function Supports interdisciplinary research on understanding cellular and subcellular systems across species.

Proposals using physical, chemical, mathematical and computational approaches to gain insight into fundamental cellular functions are encouraged. Supports research for creating new molecules to reduce the effects of metals, metal accumulation and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in the brain. The program also supports the synthesis of small molecules to understand and combat neurodegenerative disorders.

Chemistry of Life Processes Supports studies at the interface of chemistry and biology to advance understanding of the molecular underpinnings of life processes. Proposed research should focus on innovations in chemistry and address important questions about biological processes, including those at work in the nervous system.

Supports studies to understand the neural and computational mechanisms underlying complex human behavior and cognition. Hypothesis-driven proposals that achieve convergence across multiple behavioral and brain imaging techniques are encouraged. Supports research that fosters innovation in mathematics and computation by addressing important questions about biological processes, including those underlying brain structure and function.

Supports fundamental research on the structure, dynamics and function of biomolecules and supramolecular assemblies. Proposals that aim to elucidate and establish the principles that underlie biomolecular interactions, regulation of biological function and biological organization at the cellular level are encouraged. Supports neuroscience studies from molecules and cells to complex organism behavior.

The program encourages comparative approaches, studying organisms in natural contexts and developing new theoretical, computational and transdisciplinary methods. Physics of Living Systems Supports theoretical and experimental research to explore how living systems function in dynamic environments. Research proposals should aim to understand the basic physical principles underlying biological function.

Physiological and Structural Systems Supports research on the mechanisms of organismal homeostasis and physiological control systems involving the brain and neuroendocrine systems, animal locomotion and feeding and sensory system physiology.

Understanding Intelligence Advancement in understanding intelligence — including how organisms sense, learn, reason and communicate — can provide insights into how biological and artificial systems exhibit traits such as flexibility, resourcefulness, creativity, real-time responsiveness, long-term reflection and competence in complex environments and social contexts.

NSF supports numerous approaches to understanding intelligence, including behavioral, biological, cognitive, computational, engineering and mathematical fields that connect and contribute to one another. NSF programs supporting intelligence research Supports organismal neuroscience studies to understand how behaviors are produced by neural and physiological mechanisms, and how they are shaped by evolutionary processes.

Supports species-specific and comparative studies, as well as modeling and theoretical approaches. Supports studies to understand the neural and computational mechanisms underlying complex human behavior and cognition. Hypothesis-driven proposals that achieve convergence across multiple behavioral and brain imaging techniques are encouraged.

Foundational Research in Robotics Supports research on advanced robotic systems, defining a robot as intelligence embodied in an engineered construct that can process information, sense, plan and move within or alter an environment. This interdisciplinary program supports interconnected inquiries into intelligence, computation and embodiment.

Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus Supports research on human intent, perception, behavior and motor manipulation, and welcomes studies on human-machine interfaces, communication channels, emotion, creativity, and human movement strategies. National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes Supports national nexus points for collaborative efforts in AI research and innovation across various economic sectors.

Supports neuroscience studies from molecules and cells to complex organism behavior. The program encourages comparative approaches, studying organisms in natural contexts and developing new theoretical, computational and transdisciplinary approaches. Perception, Action and Cognition Supports research in human perceptual, motor and cognitive processes, including studies involving human neural activity.

The focus is on well-designed proposals addressing theoretically motivated questions. Supports computational research in AI, machine learning, computer vision, human language technologies and computational neuroscience.

Science of Learning and Augmented Intelligence Supports research on learning and augmented intelligence in individuals and groups across different domains and influences, molecular and cellular mechanisms, cognitive, affective and behavioral processes and social and cultural influences.

Brain-Inspired Concepts and Design The brain inspires novel conceptual paradigms and innovative technologies and designs that advance science and engineering to benefit society. Flexible, self-organizing, and energy- and data-efficient, the brain continues to be a source of inspiration for future technologies and discovery of scientific principles.

NSF supports these endeavors using a wide range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches with applications in diverse fields, including bioengineering and health care, computation, communication, sensing, efficiency and network dynamics, robotics, civil infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.

NSF programs supporting brain-inspired research Supports multidisciplinary research that fundamentally alters and transforms manufacturing capabilities, methods and practices. Brain-inspired research, for example, will help machine learning systems better address manufacturing problems.

Supports fundamental engineering research in the monitoring, identification and quantification of biological analytes using innovations at the intersection of engineering, life sciences and information technology.

Communications, Circuits and Sensing Systems Supports research in circuit and system hardware, system processing techniques, network architectures for communication and sensing as well as sensing and biomedical applications of advanced technology for neuroscience.

Disability and Rehabilitation Engineering Supports engineering research to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by developing new technologies and devices to improve human function. Areas of particular interest include energy-efficient, brain-inspired rehabilitation or assistive technologies that seek to learn and adapt while continually improving human function.

Dynamics, Control and Systems Diagnostics Supports research that applies neural function in biological organisms to create engineered systems with new capabilities for learning and adaptability as well as projects drawing upon dynamic systems theory for new insights into neural processes and structures.

Energy, Power, Control and Networks Supports research in modeling, optimization, learning and control of networked multi-agent systems, along with higher-level decision-making and machine learning algorithms. Engineering for Civil Infrastructure Supports research to shape the future of the country's infrastructure, climate change adaptation and disaster resilience.

Areas of interest include human interaction with built environments, decision-making processes and human-robot collaboration in construction and post-disaster assessment. Supports long-term, multi-institutional research in computer and information science and engineering.

Investigators are encouraged to collaborate across departments or institutions to identify transformative research agendas with a forward-looking perspective of at least a decade and the promise of disruptive innovation.

Foundational Research in Robotics Supports research on advanced robotic systems, defining a robot as intelligence embodied in an engineered construct that can process information, sense, plan and move within or alter an environment. This interdisciplinary program supports interconnected inquiries into intelligence, computation and embodiment.

Foundations of Emerging Technologies Supports fundamental research in disruptive technologies and models in computing and communication, such as biological computation, nanoscale science and engineering, quantum information science and engineering and neuromorphic computing. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovative solutions for hardware and software platforms.

Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus Supports research on human intent, perception, behavior and motor manipulation, and welcomes studies on human-machine interfaces, communication channels, emotion, creativity and human movement strategies. National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes Supports national nexus points for collaborative efforts in AI research and innovation across various economic sectors.

Supports large-scale societal challenges through use-inspired convergence research, employing innovative processes like human-centered design and multidisciplinary integration to transition basic research into real-world solutions. Supports neuroscience studies from molecules and cells to complex organism behavior.

The program encourages comparative approaches, studying organisms in natural contexts and developing new theoretical, computational and transdisciplinary approaches. Supports research to improve medical image analysis and signal processing for a better understanding of brain structure and function, focusing on integrating data from neuroimaging, proteomics, and genomics related to cognitive function.

Physiological and Structural Systems Supports research on the mechanisms of organismal homeostasis and physiological control systems involving the brain and neuroendocrine systems, animal locomotion and feeding and sensory system physiology.

Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science Supports high-risk, high-reward advances in computer and information science, engineering, mathematics and behavioral research to address urgent biomedical and public health questions. Also supports fundamental research in advanced neurosensing, neurological rehabilitation and novel approaches to diagnosing neurological diseases.

Theory, Computation, Analysis and Modeling of Brain Function Understanding the complexity and foundational principles of the brain requires a rich set of theoretical, computational, analytical and modeling approaches. In turn, increased understanding of the brain advances these approaches through the design and refinement of new theories, algorithms, modeling techniques, analysis methods and more.

NSF supports these endeavors using a range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas, including biology, chemistry, computing, engineering, information and data sciences, mathematics and physics. NSF programs supporting brain function modeling Supports research in algorithm theory, including measures of problem complexity and new models inspired by the brain or shedding light on its functions.

Supports mathematics research related to problems in science and engineering, funds conference and workshop proposals and emphasizes mathematical merit, novelty and impact on applications. Chemistry of Life Processes Supports studies at the interface of chemistry and biology to advance understanding of the molecular underpinnings of life processes.

Proposed research should focus on innovations in chemistry and address important questions about biological processes, including those at work in the nervous system. Supports studies to understand the neural and computational mechanisms underlying complex human behavior and cognition. Hypothesis-driven proposals that achieve convergence across multiple behavioral and brain imaging techniques are encouraged.

Communication and Information Foundations Supports research in information acquisition, transmission and processing in communications systems. Computational and Data-Enabled Science and Engineering Supports research that uses new computational and data science approaches to advance knowledge and accelerate discovery in science and engineering.

The program supports projects that harness computation and data to advance knowledge and accelerate discovery. Dynamics, Control and Systems Diagnostics Supports research that applies neural function in biological organisms to create engineered systems with new capabilities for learning and adaptability and projects drawing upon dynamic systems theory for new insights into neural processes and structures.

Energy, Power, Control and Networks Supports research in modeling, optimization, learning and control of networked multi-agent systems, along with higher-level decision-making and machine learning algorithms.

Foundations of Emerging Technologies Supports fundamental research in disruptive technologies and models in computing and communication, such as biological computation, nanoscale science and engineering, quantum information science and engineering and neuromorphic computing. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration to drive innovative solutions for hardware and software platforms.

Information Integration and Informatics Supports research on computational methods for the entire data life cycle to maximize the utility of information resources for science, engineering and society. Supports research on human language, including its properties and intersections with other areas of science. The program encourages interdisciplinary projects exploring cognitive, neural and computational mechanisms supporting language.

Supports research that fosters innovation in mathematics and computation by addressing important questions about biological processes, including those underlying brain structure and function. Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus Supports research on human intent, perception, behavior and motor manipulation, and welcomes studies on human-machine interfaces, communication channels, emotion, creativity, and human movement strategies.

Supports fundamental research on the structure, dynamics and function of biomolecules and supramolecular assemblies. Proposals that aim to elucidate and establish the principles that underlie biomolecular interactions, regulation of biological function and biological organization at the cellular level are encouraged.

National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes Supports national nexus points for collaborative efforts in AI research and innovation across various economic sectors. Supports neuroscience studies from molecules and cells to complex organism behavior. The program encourages comparative approaches, studying organisms in natural contexts and developing new theoretical, computational and transdisciplinary approaches.

Perception, Action and Cognition Supports research in human perceptual, motor and cognitive processes, including studies involving human neural activity. The focus is on well-designed proposals addressing theoretically motivated questions. Physics of Living Systems Supports theoretical and experimental research to explore how living systems function in dynamic environments.

Research proposals should aim to understand the basic physical principles underlying biological function. Physiological and Structural Systems Supports research on the mechanisms of organismal homeostasis and physiological control systems involving the brain and neuroendocrine systems, animal locomotion and feeding and sensory system physiology.

Supports computational research in AI, machine learning, computer vision, human language technologies, and computational neuroscience. People and Society: Human Cognition and Behavior The human brain enables the qualities that define humanity, including intelligence, imagination, creativity, art, music, mathematics, language, science, and religion.

Human brains and behavior are shaped during development and learning by societal and cultural context, knowledge and tradition. Various programs at NSF seek to understand neural computations and the architecture of the human brain that give rise to human cognition and behavior in the contexts of societal, cultural and biological evolution.

NSF programs supporting cognition and behavior research Supports studies to understand the neural and computational mechanisms underlying complex human behavior and cognition. Hypothesis-driven proposals that achieve convergence across multiple behavioral and brain imaging techniques are encouraged. Supports research to explore human social and cultural variations.

Proposals should aim to understand how cognition, decision-making, neurological underpinnings and related topics contribute to social and cultural diversity. Decision, Risk and Management Sciences Supports scientific research aimed at improving decision-making effectiveness.

The program funds research grounded in social and behavioral sciences and provides funding for doctoral dissertation research improvement grants and conference proposals. This program collaborates with the Decision, Risk and Management Sciences program and others to provide funding for research in behavioral economics. This focus is on behavioral economics as a field of economic science that examines human economic decision-making.

Supports studies on law, science and technology application in legal contexts, decision-making, attitudes, perceptions, moral and legal reasoning, and using neuroscientific evidence in human and civil rights, civil liberties, and judicial systems. Supports research on human language, including its properties and intersections with other areas of science.

The program encourages interdisciplinary projects exploring cognitive, neural and computational mechanisms supporting language National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes Supports national nexus points for collaborative efforts in AI research and innovation across various economic sectors.

Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus Supports research on human intent, perception, behavior and motor manipulation, and welcomes studies on human-machine interfaces, communication channels, emotion, creativity and human movement strategies. Perception, Action and Cognition Supports research in human perceptual, motor and cognitive processes, including studies involving human neural activity.

The focus is on well-designed proposals addressing theoretically motivated questions. Supports computational research in AI, machine learning, computer vision, human language technologies, and computational neuroscience.

Science of Learning and Augmented Intelligence Supports research on learning and augmented intelligence in individuals and groups across different domains and influences, molecular and cellular mechanisms, cognitive, affective and behavioral processes, and social and cultural influences.

Smart Health and Biomedical Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Data Science Supports high-risk, high-reward advances in computer and information science, engineering, mathematics and behavioral research to address urgent biomedical and public health questions. Also supports fundamental research in advanced neurosensing, neurological rehabilitation and novel approaches to diagnose neurological diseases.

Supports research in social psychology, cognitive and affective neuroscience, social cognition, attitudes, stereotypes, decision-making, group dynamics, close relationships, emotions and more. Neurotechnology and Infrastructure The enterprise of understanding the brain requires innovation in technology and infrastructure.

At NSF, a range of programs exist to support technological advancements — such as advances in research processes or education or new tools to meet societal needs — as well as the development of new human capital, cyber and physical infrastructure and capacity building to support the research endeavor.

Computing and data resources Texas Advanced Computing Center You can request access to the Frontera system at the Texas Advanced Computing Center for advanced computational and data capabilities. Frontera is one of the largest and most powerful supercomputers in the U.S. higher education system.

Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support (ACCESS) program Researchers and instructors in all disciplines can apply for allocations for compute or data resources from over two dozen high-performance computational systems via the Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Coordination Ecosystem: Services & Support (ACCESS) program.

ACCESS replaces and expands upon the previous eXtreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE) project. Allocation requests can be made through the unified ACCESS allocation portal .

Partnership to Advance Throughput Computing (PATh) program Researchers in need of distributed high-throughput computing (dHTC), which involves carrying out a large number of tasks over an extended period, can apply for credits through this program. Institutional support for training, education and workforce development Understanding the brain requires a well-trained, developed workforce.

Convergent, interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary approaches to training, education and workforce development are supported at NSF. Workforce opportunities span a range of educational levels and a variety of institutional environments to help broaden the pool of STEM students and professionals ready to engage in this work.

Advanced Technological Education Supports the education of technicians in high-technology fields through partnerships between academic institutions, industry and economic development agencies.

Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology - Research Infrastructure for Science and Engineering Supports the expansion of research and education capabilities of minority-serving institutions to strengthen their science and engineering graduate programs and the successful production of research doctoral students.

Directorate for STEM Education Core Research Supports research contributing to the knowledge underlying STEM education in areas such as learning environments, broadening participation and workforce development. The program supports STEM research activities for all learners in formal and informal settings.

Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Enriching Learning, Programs, and Student Experiences Supports the advancement of STEM education and recruitment, retention, and graduation rates of students at Hispanic-serving institutions. The program also aims to promote the participation of underrepresented students in STEM and provide pathways to STEM workforce integration.

Improving Graduate Education Supports new, transformative approaches to STEM graduate education training, focusing on piloting and validating innovative methods. This includes testing novel models or activities with high potential to enrich and extend effective graduate education. Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Supports universities and colleges diversify the workforce by increasing the number of STEM degrees awarded.

The program provides support for eligible institutions to implement innovative practices and increase the number of underrepresented students in STEM fields. It also supports research and activities to increase participation in STEM pathways for underrepresented students.

Funding is available for STEM mentoring, experiential learning opportunities and professional development, including support through the Bridge to the Doctorate Activity. NSF Research Traineeships Supports research-based graduate students in developing skills for STEM careers.

The program provides training in high-priority research areas, offering stipends, tuition support and co-curricular activities such as courses, workshops and projects. Supports higher education institutions to fund scholarships for academically talented low-income students and offers funding for evidence-based activities to aid recruitment, retention and graduation in STEM.

Training-based Workforce Development for Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Supports the use of cyberinfrastructure resources by researchers and the integration of core skills into undergraduate and graduate education. Individual support for students, postdocs and faculty Computer and Information Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowships Supports early-career individuals with the potential to be high-achieving researchers and innovators.

Awards are intended for those with practical experience after their bachelor's degree who are now interested in pursuing a research-based doctoral degree. Faculty Early Career Development Program Supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models and lead advances in research and education.

Graduate Research Fellowship Program Supports outstanding graduate students who have the potential to become high-achieving scientists and engineers, to maintain the quality, vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce in the United States.

International Research Experiences for Students Supports international research and research-related activities for U.S. science and engineering students, focusing on active research participation in high-quality international experiences in NSF-funded research areas.

Supports mid-career scientists and engineers, helping them enhance their research programs and advance their careers by reducing constraints and promoting diversity in high academic ranks. Training AI to see more like humans Predictive AI model could help forecast neurodegenerative diseases Learning occurs quicker than thought, according to brain imaging For general inquiries, email understandingthebrain@nsf.

gov , or contact program staff listed in the individual funding opportunity description.