Harvard Pre-Proposal Deadline: June 15, 2022

FAS/SEAS/OSP Deadline: June 27, 2022

Sponsor Deadline for Full Proposals: July 16, 2022

Award Information: Up to $150,000. Indirect costs are not allowed. Please discuss with your grants administrator before beginning an application.

The Dana Foundation is seeking US-based strategic partners to design and host a Center for Neuroscience & Society, one that is deeply committed to rigorous interdisciplinary training in neuroscience, that engages in research with an eye towards addressing practical issues raised by advancing neuroscience, and that grows a new generation of interdisciplinary experts who are empowered to embed neuroscience and its implications in a societal context. The Dana Foundation is requesting proposals for 5-month planning grants designed to assist grantees in developing a detailed plan for a potential Dana Center for Neuroscience & Society. Neuroscience & Society includes fields where neuroscience interfaces with the world, such as ethics, law, humanities, medicine, arts, social sciences, policy, education, journalism, and public engagement. Grantees will receive up to $150,000 to create a vision for a center, organize and gather expertise, outline potential programs, and pilot-test a potential model for training and/or education. The Foundation aims to launch a Dana Center in 2023. Each Center will receive a minimum of $1 million per year, with additional funding considered based on expertise, size, and scope. The Foundation will commit to funding the Center for five years, with an option to renew dependent upon outcomes and metrics.

While matching funds are not required in the budget for the planning grant, applications must describe how the cost-sharing requirement of 50% for a full Center award would be met. For the Harvard internal call, applicants will be asked to provide a brief letter or email from the relevant school dean illustrating material financial commitment to a Dana Center, including financial or in-kind commitment that comprises at least a 50% match of Dana Funds. See FAQs for definition of what constitutes in-kind contributions.

This is a limited submission opportunity and only one application may be submitted from the Harvard Cambridge campus. Likewise, HMS and HSPH are eligible to submit one application each. To be considered for nomination, the Office of the Vice Provost for Research has requested that interested applicants from the Cambridge campus submit a brief internal proposal here no later than June 15, 2022.

Sponsor Deadline for Letters of Intent (requested but not required): June 13, 2022

FAS/SEAS/OSP Deadline: July 6, 2022

Sponsor Deadline for Full Proposals: July 13, 2022

Award Information: Direct costs are limited to $250,000 annually. The SEPA project period is 5 years. Indirect Costs are reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs (exclusive of consortiums in excess of $25,000, tuition and fees, and expenditures for equipment), rather than on the basis of a negotiated rate agreement.

In line with its commitment to support workforce development at all stages, the NIH BRAIN Initiative recently signed on to participate in the Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program (see NOT-HG-22-017). The SEPA program, which is supported by the NIH, funds pre-kindergarten through grade 12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and Informal Science Education (ISE) educational projects. The program supports the nation's future workforce by increasing diversity in and promoting better understanding of NIH biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research for public health. BRAIN awardees are encouraged to propose educational projects that focus on any area of BRAIN-funded research that benefits society and helps create a diverse, capable, and health-literate workforce. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Scientific/Research staff to discuss eligibility and appropriateness of topic prior to committing significant effort in preparing a SEPA application.