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NIH Research Project Grant

In Vivo High-Resolution Imaging for Inner Ear Visualization

Funds building the imaging that can finally show hair cells and membranes inside a living human ear. A clinical trial is optional.

Nobody can see inside a living human inner ear in any detail. The structures that matter — hair cells, otoliths, membranes, the vasculature, even ion movement — sit encased in bone, and imaging them in a person who is awake is beyond what current techniques manage.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders funds work to change that: improving the resolution of existing

In vivo high-resolution structural and functional imaging of the living human inner ear — improving the resolution of existing techniques or developing new ones to visualise structures such as hair cells, otoliths, membranes, ions and vasculature, including dynamic elements, and developing imaging probes or contrast agents that enhance that visualisation.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.1 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$500K

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: RFA-DC-25-005Source: www.grants.gov