Synopsis

This funding opportunity aims to support high risk clinical trials for the development of in vivo high-resolution structural and functional imaging technologies for the living human inner ear. Proposed projects should focus on improving the resolution of current imaging techniques or developing new imaging techniques that can visualize inner ear structures in vivo with significantly greater detail and accuracy than currently possible. Structural and functional aspects, including visualizing dynamic elements, are important to developing new and improved techniques. Projects may also focus on developing new imaging probes or contrast agents that can enhance visualization of the inner ear structures. Research supported in response to this RFA is expected to significantly advance the ability to visualize auditory and vestibular components, such as hair cells, otoliths, membranes, ions, and vasculature, in detail in awake patients in a clinical setting using non-invasive techniques. To achieve this goal, a multidisciplinary team approach that takes advantage of the expertise of each team member is highly encouraged. Studies in humans must be proposed to develop,advance, or test the needed technology. Any intermediate studies must articulate a clear path of the proposed methodology to application in awake humans or define the limitations and the usefulness in anesthetized humans.
Response Date	Oct 01, 2026 12:00:00 AM EDT
Posting Date	Jan 06, 2025 12:00:00 AM EST
Archive Date	Nov 06, 2026 12:00:00 AM EST
Award Ceiling	500,000
Award Floor	N/a
Cost Sharing	No

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, County governments, Special district governments, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Independent school districts, Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification), State governments

Additional Info on Eligibility:

Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.

Additional Information

Agency Name	National Institutes of Health
Link to Additional Information:	https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DC-25-003.html
Grantor Contact Information:	If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact: GrantSolutions Help Desk Phone: 301-402-2541

CFDA Program(s)

• 93.173: Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders