NIH recently issued two new Request for Applications (RFAs) to support next generation tools and technologies for non-invasive imaging of human brains. The first supports proof-of-concept projects based on exceptionally innovative, original or untested concepts, while the second calls for projects that are ready for full-scale development.
Current methods for non-invasive imaging of human brains, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), have transformed both basic neuroscience research and clinical diagnosis/treatment of neurological, psychiatric, and related conditions. However, these present-day methods are limited in their spatiotemporal resolution and in the nature of the structural and functional information they provide. The goal of these two new BRAIN Initiative Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) is to address these limitations by supporting projects that will develop the next generation of human imaging tools and technologies.
The first announcement, RFA-EB-17-001,is for novel or untested concepts aimed at revolutionizing the way non-invasive human neuroimaging is conducted. Tools and technologies can span a wide array of approaches including hardware, software, or imaging probes addressing any of the steps of the image acquisition and analysis process. Creative efforts to bridge scales from the micro- to meso- to macro-level in the brain are especially encouraged.
The second announcement, RFA-EB-17-002, follows two previous RFAs (RFA-MH-14-217 and RFA-MH-15-200) that supported planning grants for next generation human imaging. The new announcement is for stage two of this effort, which supports the full-scale development and implementation of novel technologies that will be ready for use in humans by the end of the five-year project period. NIH expects successful projects supported under the previous RFAs to be the basis for some of the applications submitted in response to the new announcement, but this previous support is not a requirement. The new NOFO supports an open competition for the best ideas to develop compelling brain imaging technologies that will change human brain imaging research and clinical practice over the coming decades.
Both NOFOs have a receipt date of January 20, 2017. Interested individuals should contact Drs. Guoying Liu and Jay Churchill (see below).
Please visit our Active Funding Opportunities page for more details on these and other RFAs for the BRAIN Initiative.
Scientific/Research Contact(s)
Guoying Liu, Ph.D.
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Telephone: 301-594-5220
Email: liug@mail.nih.gov
Jay Churchill, Ph.D.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Telephone: 301-443-3621
Email: churchillj@mail.nih.gov