2026 BRAIN Initiative Conference

About this funding opportunity

2026 BRAIN Initiative Conference

Inventing the Future

Tuesday, August 11 - Thursday, August 13, 2026

Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

Rockville, MD

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The neuroscience images on this website are courtesy of previous Photo and Video Contests.

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The 11th BRAIN Conference convenes grant awardees, staff, leadership from the BRAIN Initiative’s federal and non-federal partners, and anyone interested in neuroscience and BRAIN Initiative-funded research. Conference participants will discuss the latest scientific developments and exciting research priorities for technology-driven innovation in neuroscience. This biennial event provides a forum for collaboration, discussion, and coordination across the BRAIN Initiative community.

View Conference Agenda Why Attend?

The BRAIN Initiative Conference fosters connections with the BRAIN community. Join us to share and receive information about the impact of BRAIN-funded research. Who Should Attend? Federally funded and non-federally funded BRAIN Initiative investigators and trainees Non-federal organizations and groups with missions that align withthat of the U.S.BRAIN Initiative Scientists, researchers, trainees, and clinicians interested in the BRAIN Initiative Federal staff Members of Congress Patient and advocacy groups Media Anyone interested in neuroscience or BRAIN-funded research Present Your Science

Participate in the Photo and Video Contest

We are excited to launch this year's photo and video contest. This unique contest is an opportunity to showcase the colorful and inspiring images captured by today's advances in neurotechnology. We're excited to check out your creative fusions of art and science! Networking

You’ll have several opportunities to make the most out of this year’s conference by engaging with poster presenters, speakers, and interacting with peers at the Early Career Networking Event.

Monday, August 11, 5:00 - 8:00 PM Eastern Time, Optional Networking Event:

The Early Career Networking Event is an opportunity for trainees and early-career investigators to socialize and network with one another and the BRAIN Initiative staff.

Register Now Plenary Speakers Human Brain Dynamics in Naturalistic Environments: From Intracranial and Wearable Neurotechnology to Closed-Loop Therapy

Nanthia Suthana, Ph.D., Duke University Neural Mechanisms of Natural Spatial Behavior in Freely Flying Bats

Michael Yartsev, Ph.D., University of California at Berkley

Thank you to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) for their contribution and support for this year’s BRAIN Initiative Conference

Sign language interpreting services are available upon request. Individuals who need interpreting services and/or other reasonable accommodations to participate in this event should contact BRAINConference@ninds.nih.gov. Requests should be made five days in advance of the event.

Need help? Visit our  FAQs or email us:

Program inquiries: BRAINConference@ninds.nih.gov

Logistics,registrationand submission inquiries: BRAINConference@rippleeffect.com

brain.gov

Topic areas: Life Sciences and Health, General and Cross-cutting R&D.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are due Aug 11, 2026. Confirm the exact closing time on the official program page before applying.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

2026 BRAIN Initiative Conference is administered by Dana Foundation (Dana), listed via Dana Foundation.