Opportunity Overview
The New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research (NJCBIR) is accepting FY 2027 research grant applications supporting traumatic brain injury research through qualified New Jersey research institutions. The program supports research intended to advance treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, function, and clinical outcomes after traumatic brain injury.
Funding and Deadline
NJCBIR estimates $6.5 million is available across all FY 2027 grant categories, subject to annual appropriations and Commission funding decisions.
Individual Research Grants: up to $150,000 per year in direct costs plus 20% applicable indirect costs for one, two, or three years.
Pilot Research Grants: up to $75,000 per year in direct costs plus 20% applicable indirect costs for one or two years.
Postdoctoral Fellowships: three-year awards of $100,800 per year, including a $65,000 annual stipend, $10,000 research allowance, $2,500 travel budget, 10% fringe supplement, and 20% institutional indirect costs. Graduate Student Fellowships: three-year awards of $50,000 per year, with up to $6,000 in additional tuition funding and no institutional overhead.
FY 2027 Research Support Supplement: eligible applicants may request an additional $5,000 for qualifying research-support activities described in the revised guidelines, including approved domestic laboratory visits, workshops or seminars, and conference planning/support.
Application deadline: October 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. through SAGE. The published FY 2027 guidelines do not separately state a time zone, so applicants should confirm the operative deadline display in SAGE before final submission.
Eligible Applicants
All applicant organizations and institutions must be located in New Jersey. Principal investigators must be affiliated with a qualified New Jersey research institution with demonstrated capability to conduct grant-funded research. Eligible researchers include Ph.D., M.D., and other professionals, independent investigators, and qualifying postdoctoral or graduate fellows subject to program-specific requirements.
The FY 2027 guidelines list multiple previously approved institutions, including Princeton University, Kessler Foundation, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Rowan University/Cooper University Hospital/Medical School and Health Systems, Hackensack University Medical Center, Montclair State University, St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, and other approved organizations. Institutions not already approved must complete the Commission qualification process.
Research Priorities and Allowable Equipment
Current priorities include basic, translational, clinical, rehabilitation, comparative-effectiveness, and epidemiological research directed at traumatic brain injury. Clinical priorities include innovative rehabilitation strategies, physiologic and functional recovery, and interventions intended to improve treatment and function after TBI.
The Commission expressly permits equipment purchases when supported by detailed justification and a price quote. Pilot grants may support feasibility studies, new research methodologies, new research technologies, and novel tools or technologies that can materially advance brain injury research.
Application Controls
Applications are submitted online through the New Jersey System for Administering Grants Electronically (SAGE). The scientific narrative is limited to 10 pages, including references, figures, and appendices, using Times New Roman 11-point or larger.
Applicable attachments can include human-subject or IRB policies, animal-care and use policies, salary and travel policies, telephone and computer-security policies, procurement standards, subgrant documentation, and other required materials. Human-subject and animal research must satisfy applicable institutional and federal protections.
The guidelines require current organizational compliance documentation as applicable and state that expired tax-clearance documentation at submission can disqualify an application.
Institutional commitment: the revised guidelines do not state a fixed percentage match, but they say NJCBIR awards are not intended to cover the total cost of the research. The applicant institution is expected to provide adequate facilities, basic administrative services, and the principal investigator’s salary, and reviewers consider evidence of institutional commitment and/or cost sharing.
Fellowship Requirement
For FY 2027 fellowship applications, mentors must maintain a written contingency plan addressing project continuity, reassignment of responsibilities, regulatory compliance, and completion if a fellow leaves before the funded research is complete.
Submission
All grant categories must be submitted through SAGE no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 5, 2026. No late applications are accepted. Application forms become available after the applicant starts the appropriate SAGE application.
Verified source: New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research, FY 2027 Research Program Guidelines.