Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant Program 2027 | Research | UW–Madison Skip to main content
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant Program 2027

PostedAugust 12, 2026
To:Chairs and Administrators, Departments in the Biological Sciences; Associate Deans for Research; School/College Research Administrators
From:Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
Date:August 12, 2026
Subject:Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant Program 2027

Deadline

Deadline for Internal Review:September 18, 2026

Project Description

The purpose of the Brain Research Foundation’s Annual Seed Grant Program is to provide start-up monies for new research projects in the field of neuroscience that will likely lead to extramural funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other outside funding sources.  The goal is to have this grant succeed in opening future opportunities for research, collaboration and scientific advancement.

The objective of BRF Seed Grant Program is to support new and innovative projects, especially those of junior faculty, who are working in new research directions. BRF Seed Grant awards are not intended to supplement existing grants.

Amount per award: $100,000 (direct costs only)
Duration of award: 2 Years – $50,000 per year
Number of awards: From 4 to 7 awards annually

Eligibility

To be eligible, PI must be a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor working in the area of studies of brain function. This includes molecular and clinical neuroscience as well as studies of neural, sensory, motor, cognitive, behavioral and emotional functioning in health and disease. The grant proposal must detail a new research project that is not funded by other sources. This grant is NOT to be used for bridge funding.

Additional information on eligibility can be found in the 2027 Seed Grant Guidelines.

Please note: Each department may submit materials for one faculty member to the Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant Program 2027 internal competition. Applications must be submitted to OVCR through the faculty member’s home department.

UW-Madison is allowed to submit one nomination.

Website

The following link contains additional information on the program and specific application instructions:
https://www.thebrf.org/seed-grants/

Internal Competition Application Instructions

Applications for Internal Review

To submit your application, attach a single PDF to an email to grants@research.wisc.edu

Please include the following information:

  1. Cover Page including name and academic title of PI, contact information, and title of project. Please include a statement indicating that your department chair has reviewed and approved your application and has selected you as the department’s sole nominee for this internal competition.
  2. Brief summary of program project (2 page maximum). Include closing paragraph that explains how this research will develop (next steps).
  3. Biographical sketch (using current NIH format) with other support page (5 page maximum).

Sponsor Deadlines

Letters of Intent are due to Brain Research Foundation by November 03, 2026. Applications are due to Brain Research Foundation by March 04, 2027.

Questions?

Contact grants@research.wisc.edu.