Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions
NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
About This Grant
Project summary/abstract Making decisions under uncertainty is essential for learning and survival, yet the neural mechanisms that support such decisions remain poorly understood. This proposal investigates how the brain determines when and where to act in the absence of external cues, with a focus on the neural dynamics of cortical, thalamic, striatal, and cerebellar circuits. Aim 1 (K99 phase) will identify the neural dynamics that distinguish self-generated from sensory-driven temporal decisions (“when to act”), using an innovative behavioral paradigm, simultaneous multi-area neural recordings and computational methods. Aim 2 (K99/R00 phase) will establish causal principles by testing how specific brain circuits influence the timing of self-generated decisions, leveraging real-time, closed-loop optogenetic perturbations. Aim 3 (R00 phase) will extend this framework to self-generated spatial decisions (“where to act”), using a modified two-alternative choice paradigm to determine how the brain resolves ambiguity when external instructions are incomplete or absent. The candidate’s long-term goal is to lead an independent research program in cognitive systems neuroscience that integrates circuit-level mechanisms with exploratory behavior and decision-making. The mentored K99 phase will provide advanced training in computational methods and closed-loop optogenetics. Northwestern University offers an outstanding environment for this training, with world-class facilities, interdisciplinary expertise, and a strong community in systems, computational, and behavioral neuroscience. The R00 phase will allow the candidate to establish an independent research laboratory with a program that remains cohesive with prior work while significantly expanding in scope. This research will advance fundamental knowledge of voluntary action and may inform therapeutic strategies for neurological and psychiatric conditions that affect decision- making, including Parkinson’s disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and abulia.
Grant Summary
Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions is a NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke grant providing up to $117K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-07-31 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
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Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $117K
2028-07-31
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions from NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke before the deadline.
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Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions?
Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions is offered by NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions provide?
Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions provides up to $117K per award from NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions deadline?
Applications for Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions are due 2028-07-31 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions?
To apply for Acting under uncertainty: neural dynamics underlying self-generated action decisions, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NINDS - National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.