Description

This NIH funding opportunity supports research to develop or significantly improve in vivo high-resolution imaging technologies for the living human inner ear. The goal is to enable detailed, non-invasive visualization of inner ear structures (e.g., hair cells, otoliths, membranes, ions, vasculature) in awake patients, which is currently not possible with existing imaging modalities. Both structural and functional imaging advances are sought, including the development of new imaging probes or contrast agents.

Projects may focus on:

• New non-invasive imaging modalities or technologies for high-resolution, 3D imaging of inner ear structures.
• Hardware/software improvements to existing imaging techniques (e.g., micro-CT, OCT, super-resolution microscopy, MRI, fMRI, photoacoustic imaging).
• Novel imaging probes or contrast agents targeting inner ear tissues.
• Translational work to move imaging technologies into clinical settings, including device development, image analysis software, and preclinical/clinical safety and efficacy studies.

A multidisciplinary team approach is strongly encouraged. Studies in humans and intermediate studies in mammalian animal models are allowed, but not in non-mammalian species. Intermediate animal studies must clearly articulate a path to human application.

The program also supports low-risk clinical trials (including Basic Experimental Studies with Humans, BESH) that meet specific criteria (see below).