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Division of Applied Science & Technology (DAST)
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Introduction
The mission of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) is to improve health by leading the development and accelerating the application of biomedical technologies. The NIBIB provides a home for the biomedical imaging and bioengineering research communities, and encourages the integration of the physical sciences and the life sciences to advance human health by improving quality of life and reducing the burden of disease.
The Division of Applied Science and Technology is one of three divisions within the NIBIB's Office of Extramural Science Programs. Through grant, cooperative agreement, and contract mechanisms, the Division promotes, fosters, and manages bioengineering and biomedical imaging research programs in the funding areas listed below.
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Research Programs
- Image-Guided Interventions – This program involves the development of technologies that use images during minimally-invasive surgery or biopsies. Technologies may include interventional device development, algorithms and imaging devices used for guidance, navigation, and orientation during minimally-invasive procedures. (John Haller, hallerj@mail.nih.gov)
- Magnetic, Biomagnetic and Bioelectric Devices – This program involves the technological development of magnetic, biomagnetic and bioelectric devices, e.g., EEG and MEG. Examples include novel detectors, increased sensitivity and spatial resolution, improved reconstruction algorithms, and multiplexing with other imaging techniques. (Alan Mclaughlin, mclaugal@mail.nih.gov)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy – This program involves the technological development of MR imaging and MR spectroscopic imaging for research and clinical applications. Examples include fast imaging, high field imaging, design of novel RF and gradient coils, novel pulse sequences, design of novel contrast mechanisms, imaging informatics, in vivo EPR imaging, multimodal (i.e., PET/MRI) technologies, and molecular imaging. The emphasis is on technological development rather than detailed applications to specific diseases or organs. (Guoying Liu, liug@mail.nih.gov)
- Molecular Imaging – This program involves the development, evaluation, and application of multimodal molecular imaging/therapy agents and novel molecular imaging methods for studying normal biological and pathophysiological processes at the cell and molecular levels, as well as the clinical or pre-clinical applications of molecular imaging research. Examples of supported research include the development and application of surface functionalized nanoparticles, bioactivated imaging agents, theranostic agents, and high sensitivity/specificity molecular imaging approaches. (Yantian Zhang, yantian.zhang@nih.gov)
- Nuclear Medicine – This program involves functional and molecular imaging using gamma-ray or positron emissions from radioactive agents that are injected, inhaled, or ingested into the body and then concentrate in specific biological compartments. Two particularly active areas are the positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Other areas of interest include the design of higher resolution, lower cots PET and SPECT devices, the development of better radiopharmaceuticals, crystal scintillators and collimators, and novel approaches to dosimetry and dual-isotope imaging. (John Haller, hallerj@mail.nih.gov)
- Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy – This program involves the development and application of optical imaging, microscopy, and spectroscopy techniques; and the development and application of optical imaging contrast agents. Examples of supported research areas include fluorescence imaging, bioluminescence imaging, OCT, IR imaging, diffuse optical tomography, optical microscopy and spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, flow cytometry, and the development of innovative light sources and fiber optic imaging devices. (Yantian Zhang, yantian.zhang@nih.gov)
- Ultrasound: Diagnostic and Interventional – The diagnostic ultrasound program includes the design and development of innovative transducers and transducer arrays. Also included are the development of innovative image acquisition and display methods, innovative signal processing methods, and functional imaging methods including elastography, Doppler and color Doppler, and radiation force imaging. It also includes the development of innovative imaging agents for contrast enhancement and molecular imaging. The interventional ultrasound program includes the use of ultrasound as an active agent for therapeutic intervention and as an adjunct for enhancement of non-ultrasound therapy applications. (Hector Lopez, lopezh@mail.nih.gov)
- X-ray, Electron, and Ion Beam – This program involves computed tomography (CT), computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR), digital fluoroscopy (DF), and related modalities. Research areas of support include the development of flat panel detector arrays and other detector systems; flat-panel CT; CT reconstruction algorithms for the cone-beam geometry of multislice CT; approaches to radiation dose reduction, especially with CT; and novel x-ray applications such as those utilizing diffraction-enhanced imaging and phase contrast imaging. (Hector Lopez, lopezh@mail.nih.gov)
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Collaborations
The division is currently involved in several important collaborative activities:
- NIH Roadmap National Centers for Biomedical Computing (NCBC) – TheNational Centers for Biomedical computing (NCBC) are part of the NIH Roadmap for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. There are seven centers that cover image processing, biophysical modeling, biomedical ontologies, information integration, systems biology, and tools for gene-phenotype and disease analysis. The centers create innovative software programs and other tools that enable the biomedical community to integrate, analyze, model, simulate, and share data on human health and disease. NIBIB supports programs that promote collaborations with the NCBCs.
- Biomedical Information Science and Technology Initiative (BISTI) – BISTI is aimed at maximizing NIH’s opportunities to benefit from the use of computer science and technology to address problems in biology and medicine.
- Liver Diseases Subcommittee of the Digestive Diseases Interagency Coordinating Committee – This interagency subcommittee helps to coordinate efforts related to liver and biliary diseases. The sub-committee includes representatives from 17 NIH Institutes and Centers.
- Neuroimaging Informatics Tools and Resources Clearinghouse (NITRC) – The NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research, a framework to enhance cooperative activities among the NIH Office of Director and 15 NIH Institutes and Centers, has established NITRC to facilitate the dissemination and adoption of neuroimaging informatics tools and resources. In connection with the NITRC, small grants are awarded to support the enhancement and documentation of existing neuroimaging informatics tools and resources in order to make them suitable for adoption by the extended neuroimaging research community. NIBIB program staff lead this effort on behalf of the NIH Blueprint community. http://www.nitrc.org
- The Human Connectome Project – The Human Connectome Project (HCP) involves 16 NIH Institutes and Centers and is part of the NIH Blueprint for Neuroscience Research (www.neuroscienceblueprint.nih.gov). The HCP supports research that uses cutting edge imaging technologies to map the circuitry involved in brain function in healthy humans.
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NIBIB Contacts
You may contact NIBIB program staff with your questions about funding opportunities or the application process. We welcome the opportunity to speak with potential applicants about the institute’s programs. Areas of scientific coverage for each member of the program staff can be found above under Current Research and on the NIBIB website at: http://www.nibib.nih.gov/Research/ProgramAreas.
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