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National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)

The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research in biomedical engineering, imaging, and technology acceleration (BEITA) at Historically Black colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful, comprehensive, and responsive applications.

The NOFO is expected to be published in fall 2023 with an expected application due date in Winter 2024.

This NOFO will utilize a bi-phasic cooperative agreement (UG3/UH3) activity code to funding developmental research and capacity building at HBCUs. Details of the planned NOFO are provided below.

This Notice encourages investigators from HBCUs with expertise and insights into this area of biomedical engineering, imaging, and technology development to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.

In addition, collaborative investigations combining expertise in building institutional research capacity will be encouraged and these investigators should also begin considering applying for this application.

BEITA Initiative Details
The purpose of the Biomedical Engineering, Imaging, and Technology Acceleration (BEITA) program is to enhance bioengineering and imaging research capacity, technology innovation, education and research training, and opportunities for scientific growth at HBCUs in order to utilize the Nation's full range of talent in meeting the growing need to accelerate the development and translation of high-impact biomedical innovation and technologies. This NOFO will support HBCUs to develop or enhance their biomedical engineering, imaging, and technology research capacity by using a two-staged, phase approach to support planning and initial activities in Phase I leading to full implementation in Phase II.

This program will support the development of a full-scale biomedical engineering, imaging, and technology acceleration program. Phase I, the planning and initiation phase, will provide up support not to exceed three years, to plan for and demonstrate the ability to fulfill the goal of operationalizing a sustainable BEITA program in Phase II. In the application, institutions are expected to clearly demonstrate how they will develop or enhance an impactful BEITA program which will strengthen their research capacity and accomplish the activities in their milestone and timeline(s). During the UG3 phase, successful awardees may: (a) plan for the organization and implementation of a full-scale BEITA program, (b) develop plans and initiate recruitment of essential faculty, as well as hire a program manager, (c) identify and begin to purchase equipment that will be used in Phase II, (d) establish and/or enhance plans for providing research experiences to students, courses, career development and BEIT development and practicum opportunities, (e) develop a plan for program sustainability, (f) as well as initiate other activities germane to their long-term BEITA plan. In addition, applications must include a well-developed plan for administrative management of the program, demonstrable institutional support for BEITA sustainability, and scientific growth among the BEITA research faculty and students.

In Phase II, the implementation phase, applicants should build on the elements planned and initiated in Phase I, leading to an impactful BEITA program. While many elements between the two phases will be coherent, new elements introduced in Phase II are allowed. The UH3 component of the grant application should clearly address how the Program Director(s)/Principal Investigator(s) (PD(s)/PI(s)) will implement a full-scale BEITA program, impact the fabric of the academic institution and BEIT scientific workforce, as well as detail the scientific technology development component of the BEITA program. Phase II support will be provided not to exceed four years.

Applicants and recipients of UG3 funding should note that the UG3 award does not guarantee subsequent UH3 funding. Only UG3 projects that have met the agreed to milestones, goals, and other requirements negotiated between the NIH and the applicant prior to the initial UG3 funding will be considered for transition to the UH3 Phase. 

Funding Information

Only Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBUs) are eligible.

Applications are not being solicited at this time. 

Inquiries

Albert Avila, PhD
National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)
Telephone: 301-496-8804
Email: Albert.Avila@nih.gov