Transformative Non-Invasive/Minimally Invasive Technologies for Imaging the Olfactory System Across Scales (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) in collaboration with the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), has announced a forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for innovative research focused on non-invasive and minimally invasive imaging technologies targeting the human olfactory system. This opportunity, titled “Transformative Non-Invasive/Minimally Invasive Technologies for Imaging the Olfactory System Across Scales (R01 Clinical Trial Optional),” seeks to support scientific efforts to overcome existing barriers in imaging the olfactory system due to its complex anatomical and functional properties. This initiative is aimed at addressing a major challenge in neuroscience and clinical diagnostics: the limited capacity to visualize the human olfactory system in vivo with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution. The olfactory system is notoriously difficult to image because of its location, diverse cell types, and relatively weak signals. As a result, many disorders related to smell remain poorly understood and underdiagnosed. The NIH intends for this grant to stimulate development and deployment of new technologies or repurposing of existing high-resolution imaging platforms to improve diagnostic, therapeutic, and research capabilities in this domain. The NOFO encourages applicants to propose collaborative, multimodal approaches integrating advanced tools such as fluorescence imaging, cell-specific biomarkers, endoscopy, molecular and acoustic imaging, hemodynamic, and diffusion-based technologies. These tools must enable previously unattainable imaging of both peripheral (e.g., olfactory epithelium) and central (e.g., olfactory bulb) components of the olfactory system. The proposed work must be non-invasive or minimally invasive and align with the R01 funding mechanism, which supports mature projects with substantial preliminary data. Projects may include interdisciplinary teams encompassing olfaction, imaging, biochemistry, biophysics, and bioengineering. This opportunity is open to a broad range of applicants, including nonprofits, public and private institutions of higher education, small and for-profit businesses, tribal organizations, and state and local governments. Specifically listed eligible entities include public housing authorities, Native American tribal governments (federally recognized and others), independent school districts, and county governments. The opportunity is nationwide in scope. As this is a forecasted opportunity, applications are not being accepted at this time. The estimated timeline indicates a posting date of October 27, 2025, with applications due by November 27, 2025. The award date is projected for July 30, 2026, and projects are expected to start on August 30, 2026. This advanced notice serves to give applicants time to develop responsive proposals and assemble appropriate collaborations. The NIH does not currently provide information on funding ceilings, floors, or total program funding for this NOFO. There is also no matching requirement. Potential applicants are encouraged to consult the funding agency contacts for more information. The designated contact for this opportunity is Dr. Merav Sabri of the NIDCD, reachable at 301-827-5992 or via email at merav.sabri@nih.gov. This NOFO will use the R01 activity code and is categorized under the Assistance Listing 93.173: Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders.