The Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (CRCNS) program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and several international and U.S.-based partner organizations, supports innovative, collaborative projects focused on computational neuroscience. This program bridges diverse fields such as computer science, neuroscience, biology, mathematics, and engineering to advance understanding of the nervous system, its disorders, and computational strategies it employs. Two types of proposals are invited: research proposals for collaborative projects and data-sharing proposals to make resources like data and software widely accessible. The solicitation encourages interdisciplinary research and international collaboration, offering opportunities for parallel funding with agencies from Germany, France, Israel, Japan, and Spain.

The CRCNS program seeks to explore the principles and dynamics of nervous system function and structure, emphasizing projects that are interdisciplinary and collaborative. Topics of interest include neural mechanisms of behavior, modeling of neural circuits, data-driven approaches to neuroscience, and the integration of neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Proposals can focus on areas ranging from molecular-level studies to large-scale neural systems and their relation to behavior or disease. Proposers are encouraged to develop innovative education and training programs and leverage international collaboration for mutual benefit.

Funding awards are anticipated to range between $5 million and $30 million annually, with typical project sizes between $100,000 and $250,000 per year over three to five years. Collaborative international projects must comply with the guidelines of participating countries, and U.S. investigators should submit proposals through NSF systems, while non-U.S. collaborators adhere to their respective national funding agency requirements. The funding covers both direct and indirect costs, with some restrictions, such as prohibitions on voluntary cost-sharing.

Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based institutions, including higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profits with research capabilities, and specific federal laboratories. Principal Investigators (PIs) may participate in up to two proposals per review cycle. Collaboration is a central criterion; all proposals must demonstrate interdisciplinary and complementary expertise among participants. Additional resources such as high-throughput computing may also be requested, provided justifications and technical requirements are included.

Submissions require adherence to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide and program-specific instructions. A full proposal includes sections like project descriptions, data management plans, and supplementary documents for collaborations, human subjects, or vertebrate animal research where applicable. Letters of intent or preliminary proposals are not required. Proposals must address intellectual merit, broader societal impacts, and specific goals related to interdisciplinary collaboration and resource sharing.

Review criteria include intellectual merit, broader impacts, the quality of collaboration, and effective management plans. The review process is managed jointly by NSF and its partner agencies, with recommendations for funding based on alignment with program goals. Proposals selected for funding undergo additional administrative and financial reviews before awards are finalized. Important submission deadlines are March 7, 2024, November 13, 2024, and November 12, 2025.

Questions can be directed to program officers from NSF or partner organizations. Additional resources, such as proposal templates and review guidelines, are available online. International collaborations are encouraged, with special instructions for proposals seeking parallel funding from partner agencies.