The NIH is offering a funding opportunity (RFA-NS-24-038) for the Human Brain Single-cell Genomics Explorer, designed to establish a comprehensive resource for the exploration and analysis of single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics data from the human brain. This U24 cooperative agreement will support the development of an integrated platform that allows users to access, analyze, and download harmonized single-cell data across various brain datasets, covering both reference and disease states. The goal is to create a standardized cell-type taxonomy, draft annotatable cell nomenclature, and a system for mapping additional community-generated single-cell data to this framework. This pilot project will provide foundational tools and standards for a long-term initiative aimed at broadening the accessibility and utility of human brain cell-type data within the NIH neuroscience community.

Eligible applicants include a wide array of organizations, such as public and private higher education institutions, independent school districts, tribal governments, small businesses, nonprofits, and other government entities. Minority-serving institutions like HBCUs and Hispanic-serving Institutions are also eligible. Foreign organizations may not apply directly, though non-U.S. components can be part of a U.S.-based application.

The funding ceiling is set at $1,000,000, and no cost-sharing is required. Applications are due by February 14, 2025, with the program archived on March 22, 2025. For full details, applicants should refer to the NIH announcement and can contact NIH Grants Information for additional assistance. This opportunity is ideal for institutions with expertise in neuroscience, genomics, and bioinformatics aiming to contribute to a resource that will support comprehensive brain research across multiple NIH consortia.