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Innovation Domains Shaping the Future of Neuroscience
The NIH BRAIN Research Roadmap identifies four Innovation Domains designed to build on the BRAIN Initiative’s first decade of progress and accelerate the next generation of neuroscience discovery. Together, these domains reflect BRAIN’s technology-driven, disease-agnostic approach and its commitment to advancing understanding of the brain while addressing cross-cutting priorities such as training, dissemination, and neuroethics.
Explore the Innovation Domains
The BRAIN Knowledgebase domain focuses on transforming vast and complex neuroscience data into integrated, usable knowledge. By connecting data repositories, harmonizing standards, and linking information across molecular, cellular, circuit, and behavioral scales, this domain aims to help researchers ask and answer questions that are not possible within fragmented data systems. Its goal is to create a more connected neuroscience ecosystem that supports discovery, reproducibility, and responsible data use.
The Precision Molecular Circuit Therapies domain envisions a future in which therapies can target dysfunctional brain circuits with far greater precision. This work centers on developing early-stage technologies that operate with high spatial, cellular, and temporal specificity, laying the foundation for new approaches to treating neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders. The domain also emphasizes regulatory science, neuroethics, and partnerships that can help move promising discoveries toward eventual clinical application.
The Accelerating Human Neuroscience domain is dedicated to deepening our understanding of the human brain and enabling translation to impactful clinical technologies. This includes advancing invasive and non-invasive tools, applying insights between animal models and humans, and identifying new targets for neuromodulation. By strengthening the connection between basic discovery and human application, this domain aims to expand the reach and relevance of BRAIN-supported technologies and knowledge.
The BRAIN NeuroAI domain creates a framework for two-way exchange between neuroscience and artificial intelligence. It seeks to use biological insights to inspire more brain-like AI models, while also using AI and computational approaches to better understand the brain. With a focus on theory, adaptability, embodiment, and ethics, this domain aims to bridge disciplines and open new paths for discovery in both neuroscience and AI.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Across all four domains, the BRAIN Research Roadmap is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and responsible scientific progress. These efforts will help ensure that new tools, data resources, and conceptual advances can be translated into broader impact for neuroscience research and, ultimately, human health.
To learn more about Innovation Domains see: