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

The National Centers for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NCBIB) funding opportunity is issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency responsible for conducting and supporting medical research, and through this program, it aims to advance technological innovation that improves human health. Specifically, this opportunity supports the development and operation of national resource centers that focus on biomedical imaging and bioengineering technologies. These centers are intended to serve as hubs of innovation and collaboration for the broader research community. The primary purpose of the NCBIB program is to encourage the creation and sustainment of research centers that develop cutting-edge technologies driven by the needs of basic, translational, and clinical researchers. These centers are expected not only to conduct research and development but also to provide access to their technologies to external investigators. Additionally, they are responsible for training researchers in the use of these technologies and disseminating tools and knowledge broadly to accelerate scientific discovery and healthcare advancements. Funding under this opportunity is structured as a grant, and while specific award amounts and total program funding levels are not disclosed in the forecast, the program is categorized under discretionary funding for health-related research. Importantly, there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the financial barrier to entry for eligible applicants. Funds are expected to support activities such as technology development, collaborative research, training initiatives, and infrastructure necessary to operate as a national resource center. Allowable uses are aligned with NIH policies governing research grants, including personnel, equipment, and operational costs. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of organizational types. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, small businesses, for-profit organizations, and special district governments. Additional eligible entities may include federal agencies, U.S. territories, and community-based or faith-based organizations. However, foreign institutions and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply, although foreign components as defined by NIH policy may be included in projects. The application process follows standard NIH submission protocols, which typically involve preparing a detailed research proposal, budget justification, and supporting documentation demonstrating institutional capacity and scientific merit. While this opportunity is currently in the forecast stage, the estimated application due date is January 25, 2027, with an anticipated award date and project start date of December 25, 2027. Applicants may submit multiple applications provided each is scientifically distinct, and renewals are permitted with a maximum total project duration of fifteen years for NCBIB awards. Evaluation of applications is expected to follow NIH peer review standards, focusing on scientific and technical merit, innovation, investigator qualifications, and the potential impact of the proposed center. Additional considerations may include the ability to serve as a national resource, plans for training and dissemination, and alignment with NIH priorities. For further information, applicants may contact the NIBIB P41 Director via email or phone. This opportunity represents a recurring NIH initiative, suggesting that future cycles are likely, although specific recurrence details are not explicitly stated.