# Request for a Brainsight Turnkey Neuro-Navigation System For NHP Research

> **NIH NIH S10** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2021 · $481,862

## Abstract

This request is for funds to purchase a Brainsight Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Neuro-
Navigation system that includes nonhuman primate (NHP) MRI coils, a precision robotic device for cranial and
cortical implants, and neuro-navigation hardware and software. The brains of human and NHPs are highly
complex 3-dimensional structures with extraordinary degrees of inter-subject variability. Currently, precise
localization in NHP brains requires exhaustive neurophysiological and functional mapping. These mapping
procedures require hard-won expertise and take months to adequately complete. This delay drastically slows
the pace of research in the most valuable animal models for studying mental health disorders. To address the
critical need for fast, precise, and reproducible positioning within large and complex brains, the Brainsight MRI
Neuro-Navigation system combines high-resolution structural and functional MRIs with robotic placement of
chambers, guides, and recording devices. During surgery, investigators will be able to position electrode
recording devices, stimulation devices, and injection needles with sub-millimeter precision into any brain
structure. During daily recording sessions, the Neuro-Navigation system’s visual display will show the real-time
position of electrodes or devices relative to the MRI scan. The need for this instrument is demonstrated in this
application with several NIMH-supported projects including investigations of decision making, high-throughput
screening and creation of cell type-specific viral vectors, and research into how prefrontal microcircuits
contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. All of these projects have extensive preliminary data
demonstrating the need for high precision positioning of devices in the 3-diminsional brain, as well as the need
for real-time feedback of electrode position during recording sessions. The instrument will be housed within the
Center for Systems Neuroscience (SNC) at the University of Pittsburgh. The SNC is a specialized center for
NHP research that houses five independent NHP research laboratories together on one floor. The mandate of
the SNC is to perform cutting edge research into the neural circuits and systems that underlie sophisticated
behaviors and that malfunction during psychiatric and neurological disease. SNC researchers have that have 3
currently funded NIMH grants, 2 upcoming NIMH grant proposals, and another 8 projects funded by other ICs.
We currently have access to a 7T scanner in the building, and a 3T scanner at another university facility.
These scanners provide adequate MRI scans for confirming normal brain anatomy and gross surgical
planning. Successful integration of the Brainsight Neuro-Navigation System with our existing capabilities will
enable fast and precise positioning of injection needles, optical fibers, and recording electrodes. Thus, the
Brainsight MRI Neuro-Navigation System will directly benefit 13 current and upcoming NIH grants (...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10282578
- **Project number:** 1S10MH126994-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** William Richard Stauffer
- **Activity code:** S10 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $481,862
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2023-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10282578

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10282578, Request for a Brainsight Turnkey Neuro-Navigation System For NHP Research (1S10MH126994-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10282578. Licensed CC0.

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