National Centers for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB) (P41 Clinical Trials Optional)

PAR-23-235

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) uses the P41 mechanism to support National Centers for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB) to accelerate the development and dissemination of new biomedical technology. It is expected that each Center would have a nationwide impact. NCBIB creates critical and unique technologies that are at the forefront of their respective fields and enable researchers to apply these technologies to a broad range of basic, translational, and/or clinical research. Information on current NCBIB can be found at https://www.nibib.nih.gov/research-funding/featured-programs/ncbib/supported-centers

A Center assembles a critical mass of both technological and other intellectual resources with the intent of advancing the development of instrumentation and methodology for biomedical research. NCBIB should develop new technologies for use in biomedical research or clinical application(s). This is accomplished through a synergistic interaction of technical and biomedical expertise, both within the Center and with other laboratories outside of the Center.

The central components of each Center are the Technology Research and Development (TR&D) projects. These projects serve as the foundation of all the activities within the Center. TR&D projects should be at the cutting edge of their technological field and develop new technology in response to the emerging needs of the biomedical research community. The TR&D projects of a Center are scientifically distinct, but are not stand-alone projects, thus they should build on and strengthen the synergistic interactions within the Center.

NCBIB interacts with Collaborative Projects (CPs) that serve as technology drivers, users, and testbeds for the cutting-edge technology developed in TR&D projects. Working in a push-pull, iterative relationship with CPs, a TR&D project should develop and optimize additional new tools and methods to address specific biomedical and/or clinical research problems that are otherwise difficult to address using existing tools and methods. The research needs of the CPs should drive the technology development in each TR&D project by presenting important technology-development challenges to the TR&D project. The new technologies developed in TR&D projects should advance the research efforts of the CPs.

NCBIB provides their technology to Service Projects (SPs) that serve as users of the well-developed and stable technologies of the Center. SPs make use of the technology and expertise of the Center but are not intended to serve as primary drivers for technology development.

Direct costs (excluding equipment) are not limited and are expected to vary among applications. Typical direct costs for NCBIB range between $600,000 and $750,000. In addition, up to $500,000 can be requested for special-purpose equipment during a five-year funding period. This budget is restricted only for acquiring special-purpose equipment.

The Letters of Intent are due 8 weeks prior to the September 25, 2023, application due date and 12 weeks prior to all subsequent application due dates.

September 25, 2023; January 25, 2024; May 25, 2024

Behrouz Shabestari, PhD
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Telephone: 301-451-6771
Email: shabestb@mail.nih.gov