In Vivo Non-Invasive Optical Imaging Approaches for Biological Systems (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trials Not Allowed | RFA RM 24 012

Opportunity Information: Apply for RFA RM 24 012

The In Vivo Non-Invasive Optical Imaging Approaches for Biological Systems funding opportunity (RFA-RM-24-012) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative focused on pushing optical imaging beyond one of its biggest practical limits in living tissue: light scattering. Many widely used optical methods can measure tissue structure and function quickly and without surgery, but as light travels through biological tissue it scatters strongly, which rapidly degrades image clarity and limits how deep researchers can see. The core goal of this opportunity is to support the development of next-generation optical imaging approaches that are non-invasive or minimally invasive and that can image deeper into biological systems while maintaining high spatial resolution (fine detail) and high temporal resolution (fast dynamics).

This opportunity uses the UG3/UH3 phased cooperative agreement mechanism and explicitly states that clinical trials are not allowed. In practice, that means NIH expects a milestone-driven project structure where an early, time-limited phase (UG3) supports feasibility and early development work, followed by a second phase (UH3) that supports more advanced development and broader validation once predefined performance and readiness milestones are met. Because it is a cooperative agreement, awardees should anticipate substantial NIH program involvement compared with a standard grant, often including active coordination on milestones, progress assessment, and alignment with program objectives.

The scientific emphasis is on overcoming scattering-related barriers that currently constrain penetration depth and resolution in intact tissues. Projects responsive to this call would generally aim to create or significantly advance optical strategies that can either reduce the impact of scattering, computationally correct for it, exploit alternative light-tissue interactions, or combine hardware and algorithms to recover high-quality information from deeper regions. The opportunity is oriented toward imaging in vivo biological systems, meaning solutions should be designed with real biological constraints in mind such as motion, heterogeneity, optical absorption, safety limits, and the need for practical acquisition speeds. While the announcement text is brief, the intent is clearly to stimulate technological leaps that enable deeper, clearer, faster optical imaging with strong utility for biomedical research applications.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of organization types: public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), and small businesses. The notice also highlights additional eligible categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), eligible agencies of the federal government, and U.S. territories or possessions. Foreign organizations (non-U.S. entities) are not eligible to apply.

Administratively, the opportunity is categorized as discretionary and uses a cooperative agreement funding instrument, with a health funding activity category and CFDA number 93.310. The opportunity was created on 2024-12-02, and the listed original application closing date is 2025-03-07. The source data provided does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards, so applicants would need to consult the full funding announcement for budget caps (if any), project period details, and the specific milestone and review expectations typical of the UG3/UH3 structure.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "In Vivo Non-Invasive Optical Imaging Approaches for Biological Systems (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trials Not Allowed" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.310.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-12-02.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-03-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for RFA RM 24 012

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