The Neurocritical Care Foundation invests in research that expands understanding, improves care and accelerates innovation for patients with life-threatening neurological conditions. Research grant opportunities aim to support scientists, clinicians and multidisciplinary teams at critical early stages of inquiry — helping move ideas from concept to competitive federal funding and broader scientific impact.
We prioritize projects that:
- Advance clinical and translational neurocritical care science
- Promote collaboration across institutions and disciplines
- Strengthen the pipeline of investigators dedicated to improving patient outcomes
- Address critical gaps in care, including disparities and emerging needs in the field
Whether you are an early-career researcher or an established team launching a collaborative initiative, research grants are designed to seed the next generation of breakthroughs in neuroscience critical care.
Available Research Grants
Small Grants for Big Ideas (Sponsored by the HEARD Center)
The HEARD (Henderson Equity And Research on Disparities) Center is proud to launch its Small Grants for Big Ideas (SGBI) Program, a new funding opportunity designed to spark innovative research that addresses disparities in neurocritical illness care and advances health equity across diverse patient populations.
Through this program, the HEARD Center will award up to three grants of $10,000 each to clinicians and scientists pursuing bold, actionable projects that align with the Center's mission to improve equity, access and outcomes in neurocritical care. Whether exploring barriers to care, developing inclusive interventions or identifying strategies to reduce disparities, investigators are encouraged to bring forward creative ideas with the potential to make a meaningful impact.
Applications are welcomed from professionals across disciplines, including nurses, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, physicians, scientists and international investigators.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: September 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT
- Award Notifications: October 2026
- Project Start Date: November 1, 2026
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