In Vivo High-Resolution Imaging for Inner Ear Visualization (R01 Clinical Trial optional)

This grant, titled "In Vivo High-Resolution Imaging for Inner Ear Visualization (R01 Clinical Trial optional)" has been developed to encourage the advancement of live, high-quality imaging technologies for the human inner ear. Potential projects should aim to enhance the accuracy and detail of current imaging technologies or create new ones that can capture inner ear structures in much higher detail while they are live.

Both functional and structural elements, including the ability to visualise dynamic elements, are key areas for improvement. The grant also supports projects aiming to create new imaging probes or contrast agents to improve the visibility of inner ear structures.

The ultimate aim of the supported research is to enable detailed, non-invasive viewing of structures such as hair cells, otoliths, membranes, ions, and vasculature in awake patients within a clinical setting. It's recommended that applicants take a team approach, utilising the expertise of different team members, to successfull achieve this goal.

Research should primarily be conducted in humans, with interim studies permitted in mammals to develop or refine the required technology. Any intermediary studies must clearly delineate how they intend to apply the proposed methodology to awake human testing, or define the limitations and uses for anaesthetised human subjects. Non-mammalian species studies will not be considered.