The "Advancing Non-Invasive Optical Imaging Approaches for Biological Systems" funding opportunity, offered by the NIH Common Fund through the Office of Strategic Coordination, aims to advance optical imaging technologies for biological research and clinical applications. This initiative seeks to address the challenges posed by light scattering in biological tissues, which limit imaging depth and resolution. The program encourages innovative approaches to improve imaging depth while maintaining high spatial and temporal resolution, enabling multi-scale imaging from subcellular to tissue levels in vivo.

This phased cooperative agreement (UG3/UH3) spans a maximum of three years. The UG3 phase (years 1-2) focuses on conceptualizing, designing, and developing optical imaging prototypes to demonstrate proof-of-concept capabilities, while the UH3 phase (year 3) emphasizes refinement, optimization, and performance evaluation in relevant biological models. Proposals must detail milestones, timelines, and transition criteria between phases. Successful projects will validate imaging technologies that significantly surpass current capabilities, providing applications for diverse biomedical and clinical research.

The funding mechanism allocates approximately $4.9 million for up to three awards. Budgets are unrestricted but must reflect project needs, and applicants may request a total project period of three years. Responsive proposals must employ light (UV to infrared spectrum) as the imaging modality and focus on non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques without relying on surgical manipulation, transgenic methods, or non-mammalian models. A robust Plan for Enhancing Diverse Perspectives (PEDP) is required to foster inclusivity and innovation.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, and Federal entities. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations may participate, but foreign organizations are ineligible to apply. Applications are evaluated for scientific significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, investigator expertise, and resource availability. The inclusion of quantitative milestones and a clear plan for transitioning between UG3 and UH3 phases is critical for evaluation and funding decisions.

Submission deadlines for applications begin March 7, 2025, with letters of intent due February 7, 2025. Applications are submitted electronically via Grants.gov and must comply with NIH guidelines, including the requirement for a detailed PEDP. Non-compliant applications will be withdrawn without review. Awardees are expected to share data, protocols, and designs to enhance reproducibility and accessibility, fostering broader adoption of developed technologies.

NIH staff and a project scientist will collaborate closely with awardees to guide research progress, evaluate milestones, and resolve disputes. Recipients must adhere to federal regulations and NIH policies regarding data sharing, inclusivity, and project management. Additional program details, contacts, and resources are available on the NIH website.