Cooperative Agreement for In Vivo High-Resolution Imaging for Inner Ear Visualization (U01 Clinical Trial Required)
This grant aims to fund high-risk clinical trials developing advanced imaging technologies for detailed visualization of the human inner ear in awake patients.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 3, 2025 | October 1, 2025 | June 3, 2026 | October 1, 2026 (Letter of Intent: 30 days prior to each due date)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 direct costs per year (max 5 years); total program funding ~$3M in FY25 for 2–4 awards (including companion R01)
Summary: Funds high-risk clinical trials to develop advanced in vivo imaging technologies for detailed, non-invasive visualization of the human inner ear in awake patients.
Key Information: Clinical trial is required; only one trial per application; FDA oversight or higher-risk trials only—see eligibility and scope.
Description
This opportunity supports high-risk clinical trials aimed at developing or significantly improving in vivo high-resolution structural and functional imaging technologies for the living human inner ear. The goal is to enable detailed, non-invasive visualization of auditory and vestibular structures (e.g., hair cells, otoliths, membranes, ions, vasculature) in awake patients, advancing both diagnosis and treatment of inner ear disorders.
Projects may focus on:
- Improving the resolution of current imaging modalities (e.g., MRI, micro-CT, OCT, super-resolution microscopy, photoacoustic imaging)
- Developing new imaging techniques, probes, or contrast agents
- Translating imaging technologies into clinical settings, including device development and clinical studies in humans
A multidisciplinary team approach is strongly encouraged. Only clinical trials that require FDA oversight, are intended to establish efficacy, or pose higher risks to participants are eligible. Low-risk trials should apply to the companion R01 (see External Links).
