In Vivo High-Resolution Imaging for Inner Ear Visualization (R01 Clinical Trial optional)
National Institutes of Health · Opportunity RFA-DC-25-005
Who can apply
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other)
- Nonprofits with 501(c)(3), other than higher education
- Nonprofits without 501(c)(3)
- Private institutions of higher education
- For-profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others
Other Eligible Applicants include the following: Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs); Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government; Faith-based or Community-based Organizations; Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized); Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations); Regional Organizations; Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) ; U.S. Territory or Possession.
About this opportunity
This funding opportunity aims to support the development of in vivo high-resolution structural and functional imaging technologies for the living human inner ear. Proposed projects should focus on improving the resolution of current imaging techniques or developing new imaging techniques that can visualize inner ear structures in vivo with significantly greater detail and accuracy than currently possible. Both structural and functional aspects, including visualizing dynamic elements are important to development of new and improved techniques. Projects may also focus on developing new imaging probes or contrast agents that can enhance visualization of the inner ear structures. Ultimately, research supported in response to this RFA is to encourage technologies that allow, for example, structures such as hair cells, otoliths, membranes, ions, and vasculature to be viewed in detail in awake patients in a clinical setting using non-invasive techniques. To achieve this goal, a multi-disciplinary team approach that takes advantage of the expertise of each team member is highly encouraged. Studies in humans and intermediate studies in animals, but not non-mammalian species, may be proposed to develop or advance the needed technology. Any intermediate studies must articulate a clear path of the proposed methodology to application in awake humans or define the limitations and the usefulness in anesthetized humans.
Award history — this exact opportunity
NIH RePORTER lists 3 funded awards under RFA-DC-25-005 across 3 organizations.
Total award obligations, not per-year amounts.
Recent awardees include: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, MASSACHUSETTS EYE AND EAR INFIRMARY, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY.
Source: NIH RePORTER, matched on the exact opportunity number. NIH publishes success rates by institute and activity code — source.
Portfolio context — this listing covers more than this opportunity
This opportunity is funded under Assistance Listing 93.173 (“Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders”), a broad federal program that made about 263 new awards per year over the last five fiscal years (median award $430k). Those figures describe that whole portfolio — not this specific solicitation, so we don't show them as if they were this opportunity's track record.
Applicant counts per solicitation are not published by any federal agency — no one can honestly sell you that number. NIH publishes success rates by institute and activity code — source.
Don't want to hunt for grants like this one? Get free deadline alerts for your state and focus areas.
Consultant or grant writer? See the client-ready Opportunity Brief for this grant — actual award sizes vs. the advertised ceiling, who wins, printable "prepared for your client" version.
Similar grants still open
| Opportunity | Agency | Deadline | Award ceiling | Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional) | National Institutes of Health | September 9, 2026 0d left | $700k | Nonprofits |
| Fiscal Year 2027 Expanding Nutrition Services | Health Resources and Services Administration | September 9, 2026 0d left | $350k | |
| NIH Director’s Early Independence Award (DP5 Clinical Trial Optional) | National Institutes of Health | September 10, 2026 1d left | $350k | Nonprofits |
| Improving the Capacity of Tribal Communities to Identify Emerging Drug Threats | Office of National Drug Control Policy | September 13, 2026 4d left | $300k | Nonprofits |