NSF solicits proposals to accelerate understanding of neural and cognitive systems

The National Science Foundation BRAIN Initiative promises innovative and integrated solutions to challenges in our ability to predict how collective interactions between brain function and our physical and social environment enable complex behavior. NSF's strategic investments will support research and infrastructure designed to transform our view of who we are and how we relate to and interact with each other and our ever-changing environment.

A new solicitation entitled "Integrative Strategies for Understanding Neural and Cognitive Systems (NSF-NCS)" has just been issued. It describes the first phase of a new NSF program to support transformative and integrative research that will accelerate understanding of neural and cognitive systems. NSF seeks exceptional proposals that are bold, potentially risky, and transcend the perspectives and approaches typical of disciplinary research programs. This multi-directorate program is one element of NSF's broader aim to foster innovation in Cognitive Science and Neuroscience, a multi-year effort that includes NSF's participation in the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative.

The anticipated funding total is between $10 million and $12 million, in 15 to 25 awards in FY 2015.

The major solicitation can be accessed at http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2014/nsf14611/nsf14611.pdf. The deadline is fast approaching for required letters of intent: December 10, 2014, and for full proposals: January 26, 2015.