Funding

Accelerating new research discoveries and training the next generation

Zebrabow imaging in zebrafish

The Brain Institute has provided multiple funding opportunities to UVA investigators and trainees, including a variety of seed funding programs and fellowships. We understand the unique needs of neuroscience research teams and aim to create programs that will accelerate novel breakthroughs and the road to advancing new discoveries. 

Our current seed funding model offers pilot grants for collaborative teams, targeted investment grants for existing and highly promising projects, flash funding for high-impact ideas, and support for human neuroscience research. We issue calls for proposals throughout the year through our mailing list and website. 

We have also offered trainee opportunities that provide targeted mentorship to develop the careers of talented postdoctoral researchers and graduate students in neuroscience. 

Focused Ultrasound Data

Seed Funding

The Brain Institute offers a variety of seed funding programs ranging from basic science grants to human neuroscience research support.
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UVA Wise Neuroscience Pilot Grants 2025

The UVA Wise Neuroscience Committee offers this seed funding program for transformative neuroscience research projects. The purpose of the program is to tackle important questions, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and perform groundbreaking work that will enhance our research enterprise.
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Brain Institute Professional Development Award

The Professional Development Award supports postdoctoral scholars who seek funds for conference travel and/or professional development opportunities that support their long-term career goals.
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Presidential Fellowship in Collaborative Neuroscience

The Provost's Office, in collaboration with the UVA Brain Institute, supported the presidential graduate fellowship program to promote cross-Grounds collaborative neuroscience research.
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Neuroscience Graduate Student Travel Award Program

The UVA Brain Institute offers funding for rising second-year graduate students conducting neuroscience research in any School across UVA to attend the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Meeting.
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UVA Brain Institute Future Leaders Summer Fellowship

The UVA Brain Institute Future Leaders Summer Fellowship program supported undergraduate students pursuing neuroscience research experiences.