Brain Research Foundation 2027 Seed Grant Program
Sponsor: Brain Research Foundation Internal Deadline: 09/15/2026Institutional Submission Limit: 1Sponsor Deadline: 11/03/2026Program Website
The Brain Research Foundation funds innovative neuroscience research that expands understanding of how the brain works, and provides educational programs for researchers, families struggling with debilitating brain disorders and the general public. The Foundation plays a critical role in the scientific process by funding grants that are the starting blocks to discovery, allowing scientists to prove the feasibility of their projects and produce data that will make them eligible for larger government and institutional funds.
BRF’s Seed Grant Program provides start-up money for new research projects and innovative programs that have the potential of becoming competitive for an NIH grant or other external funding sources. The Foundation goal is to have this initial effort succeed in opening future opportunities for research, collaboration, and scientific advancement. BRF Seed Grant awards are not intended to supplement existing grants. The support focus is for new research projects of the highest scientific merit.
PI eligibility: full-time Assistant or Associate Professor working in the field of neuroscience, neurology, neurobiology, physiology, psychiatry, psychology, or related disciplines, proposing scientific projects with a focus on brain health and disease, including cancer.
Each total award is limited to $100,000 (direct costs) for a two-year grant period. The first grant payment of $50,000 will be made upon completion of the Seed Grant Acceptance Form (June 2027). The final payment of $50,000 will be made contingent upon receipt of a Preliminary Progress and Financial Report (June 2028).
The selected applicant will work with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations to complete and submit the external Letter of Intent on or before November 3, 2026.
Submission Process
Submission Process
Pre-proposal application packages must be submitted as a single PDF file to usccfr@sc.edu by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and include the following components:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) bio sketch
- Three-page summary of the proposed research
Review the guidelines for complete details. Contact Chris Segars at chris.segars@sc.edu with additional questions.