Call for Applications: EBRAINS Digital Infrastructure for Neuroscience Research

The European Commission (EC) is offering €32 million to advance neuroscience, brain medicine, and brain-inspired technologies through the EBRAINS digital research infrastructure. The initiative supports AI-powered data platforms, large-scale simulations, digital brain twins, and interoperable services that enhance research, diagnostics, and clinical applications. Eligible entities worldwide can participate under Horizon Europe regulations to contribute to Europe’s leadership in brain research.

Program Overview

The initiative focuses on developing and operating a state-of-the-art EBRAINS digital infrastructure that provides:

• Access to data, digital tools, and services for neuroscience, brain medicine, and brain-inspired technologies

• AI-driven platforms for user-friendly interaction, data analysis, modelling, and brain simulations

• FAIR-compliant data indexing and archival to scale integration and curation

• Multi-scale modelling of behaviour, intelligence, consciousness, and language

• Digital brain and body twins informed by real-world sensor data for diagnostics, rehabilitation, and surgery

The program aims to:

• Strengthen European cooperation in brain health research

• Facilitate innovative therapies, personalised treatments, and improved diagnostics

• Support researchers, clinical stakeholders, and SMEs with robust digital services

Key Objectives

1. Advanced EBRAINS Infrastructure Development:

   • Provide integrated workflows connecting datasets, tools, and services

   • Ensure large-scale storage, cloud access, and supercomputing capabilities

2. Brain-Inspired AI Tools:

   • Develop tools based on learning, decision-making, and plasticity

   • Applications in research, robotics, and neurotechnology

3. Digital Twins & Multi-Scale Models:

   • Build data-driven models of brain function and complex behaviour

   • Support clinical applications via brain and body digital twins

4. Scalable & Robust Infrastructure:

   • Handle terabyte-scale imaging datasets with associated metadata

   • Deploy AI pipelines, annotation platforms, and secure data handling systems

   • Ensure continuous availability for researchers and clinical users

5. European Brain Data Space Integration:

   • Align with the European Health Data Space

   • Connect to the European Open Science Cloud and other life sciences data spaces

6. International Collaboration:

   • Cooperate with global partners via the International Brain Initiative

   • Strengthen Europe’s central role in worldwide brain research

Eligibility

Eligible participants include:

• Any legal entity worldwide, including organisations from non-associated countries and international organisations

• Must comply with Horizon Europe regulations

• Entities should demonstrate the capacity to develop, operate, or integrate digital research infrastructure

Funding Details

• Total funding allocation: €32,000,000

• Funding supports:

  • Development and operation of EBRAINS digital facilities

  • Access to federated supercomputing infrastructure and large-scale storage

  • AI-based modelling, simulations, and analysis tools

  • Data curation, annotation, and secure data handling systems

  • Training and skill development for researchers and staff

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure your organisation is a legal entity under Horizon Europe rules

• Organisations from any country may apply, including non-associated countries

Step 2: Develop Proposal

• Align the project with EBRAINS objectives: AI-powered tools, digital twins, multi-scale models, and scalable infrastructure

• Include data management, FAIR principles, and environmental considerations

• Highlight potential scientific, industrial, and societal impact

Step 3: Budget Planning

• Allocate funds to infrastructure development, operation, AI pipelines, data handling, and training

• Ensure clear justification for resources and project scalability

Step 4: Submission

• Submit proposals through the Horizon Europe portal

• Include all required legal, financial, and compliance documentation

Tips for a Strong Proposal

• Emphasise AI-driven innovation and brain-inspired tools

• Demonstrate scalability, robustness, and FAIR-compliant data management

• Highlight clinical, research, and SME applications

• Show alignment with European Health Data Space and global collaborations

• Include detailed training and skill development plans

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to comply with Horizon Europe eligibility rules

• Overlooking scalability and infrastructure robustness

• Neglecting FAIR data principles and secure handling protocols

• Omitting integration with European and international data ecosystems

• Insufficient justification for funding allocation and project impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Any legal entity worldwide, including organisations from non-associated countries, provided they meet Horizon Europe requirements.

2. What is the total funding available?

The program has a €32 million allocation for eligible projects.

3. Can SMEs participate?

Yes, SMEs can participate, particularly in projects involving digital twins, AI tools, and applied neuroscience technologies.

4. Are there specific technology requirements?

Proposals must address AI-enabled solutions, large-scale simulations, and FAIR-compliant data management.

5. What is the role of EBRAINS infrastructure?

EBRAINS provides supercomputing access, storage, cloud services, and integrated workflows for brain research.

6. Is international collaboration encouraged?

Yes, the program supports collaboration with global brain research initiatives like the International Brain Initiative.

7. Can projects involve clinical applications?

Yes, projects may include diagnostics, rehabilitation, intensive care, and surgical applications through digital brain or body twins.

Conclusion

The EBRAINS digital infrastructure initiative empowers global researchers to advance neuroscience, brain medicine, and brain-inspired AI technologies. With €32 million in funding, projects can develop scalable, AI-powered tools, digital twins, and advanced simulations that enhance scientific discovery, clinical applications, and international collaboration, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in brain research.