How brain networks shape actions to reach rewards
Official title: How neuronal ensembles control brain network dynamics to drive action
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-11387594 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how brain activity patterns are re-created to drive purposeful actions that lead to desired outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $248,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R00NS128250-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387594 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants would be individuals with conditions affecting brain connectivity where future BMI or rehabilitation approaches might be beneficial.
✕Less likely to help
People without neurological conditions or without relevant brain-network impairments may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced imaging to watch and manipulate how neurons connect and re-enter specific brain states, then link these states to the actions that produce rewards. They will combine 2-photon microscopy with targeted photostimulation and a brain-machine interface to map how neural activity translates into behavior and reinforcement. The goal is to understand the neural dynamics that enable learning from experience and to explore future therapies that could restore movement and memory. The work focuses on humans’ brain-like networks in a way that could eventually inform patients who struggle with movement or learning after injury. The project is done in collaboration with the Allen Institute, leveraging cutting-edge tools to probe brain connectivity in living systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform new approaches to restore or improve movement, learning, and brain-machine–interface therapies for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work using similar neural stimulation and BMI approaches has shown promise in linking neural states to behavior, suggesting potential for translational impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Athalye, Vivek — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Athalye, Vivek
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Light Pipe Microscope for ultra-large-scale brain imaging
A new, lighter and cheaper microscope tool could help researchers image brain activity across large areas of the mouse brain in cellular detail.
-
Panoramic, minimally invasive deep-brain imaging interface for broad neural access
A new imaging tool in deep brain areas aims to let scientists see large brain regions at cellular detail with a tiny, minimally invasive probe.
-
SPOCTT 2.0: Understanding Brain Cell Types with AI and Maps
A national brain-research program is creating user-friendly tools and references to map brain cell types, making it easier for scientists and students to explore brain cells in humans and animals.
-
Large brain circuit models run on supercomputers
Aims to create and share powerful computer models of huge brain circuits to understand how thinking and behavior emerge in diseases like Alzheimer’s.
-
Spatial map of Alzheimer's cell types and disease patterns
Researchers are using advanced spatial genomics to map where different brain cells and disease markers sit in Alzheimer's and related dementias, with the goal of understanding what goes wrong in the brain.
-
Single-cell brain study of Alzheimer's disease across regions
A large NIH project will map the cellular and molecular changes in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease using cutting-edge single-cell genomics.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.