Division of Applied Science & Technology (DAST)

Contents

• Introduction
• Research Programs
• Collaborations
• NIBIB Contacts

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 is home to the biomedical imaging and bioengineering research communities and encourages the integration of the physical and 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.

Back to Top

Research Programs

• Image-Guided Interventions – innovation and development of technologies that use images during minimally invasive surgery or biopsy. Technologies may include interventional device development, as well as algorithms and imaging devices used for guidance, navigation, and orientation during minimally invasive procedures. (Steven Krosnick, krosnics@mail.nih.gov)
• Magnetic, Biomagnetic and Bioelectric Devices – 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 – technology development and advances in 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, multi-modal (i.e., PET/MRI) technologies, and molecular imaging. The program emphasizes technological development rather than detailed applications to specific diseases or organs. (Guoying Liu, liug@mail.nih.gov)
• Molecular Imaging –the development, evaluation, and application of molecular imaging/therapy agents and novel molecular imaging methods to study normal biological and pathophysiological processes at the cell and molecular levels, as well as the clinical or preclinical applications of molecular imaging research. Examples of supported research include the development and application of surface functionalized nano-particles, bioactivated imaging agents, theranostic agents, and high sensitivity/specificity molecular imaging approaches. (Richard Conroy, Richard.Conroy@mail.nih.gov)
• Nuclear Medicine – functional and molecular imaging using single photon 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 positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Other areas of interest include the design of higher resolution or sensitivity devices, hybrid imaging systems, the development of better radiopharmaceuticals, crystal scintillators and semi-conductor detectors, high performance collimators, novel approaches to dosimetry, radiation dose reduction via hardware or software, novel reconstruction techniques, and dual-isotope imaging. (Alan Mclaughlin, mclaugal@mail.nih.gov)
• Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy – the development and application of optical imaging, microscopy, and spectroscopy techniques, as well as 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. (Richard Conroy, Richard.Conroy@mail.nih.gov)
• Ultrasound: Diagnostic and Interventional – the design and development of innovative transducers and transducer arrays. Also included are 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 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 to enhance non-ultrasound therapy applications. (Hector Lopez, lopezh@mail.nih.gov)
• X-ray, Electron, and Ion Beam – computed tomography (CT), computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR), digital fluoroscopy (DF), phase-contrast and diffraction-enhanced imaging, and other related X-ray modalities. Research areas of support include the development of flat panel detector arrays and other detector systems and materials, as well as improved contrast materials and methods. High priority is given to innovative approaches for radiation dose reduction, including improved CT reconstruction algorithms, as well as photon counting detectors for use with CT to improve image quality and utilization of optimal energy bands for specific applications and improved contrast. Research areas dealing with development of clinical application methods of diffraction-enhanced imaging and phase contrast imaging are of great interest. (Hector Lopez, lopezh@mail.nih.gov)

Back to Top

Collaborations

The division is currently involved in several important collaborative activities:

• Single Cell Analysis – The goal of this trans-NIH Common Fund Program is to accelerate the discovery, development and translation of cross-cutting, innovative approaches to analyzing the heterogeneity of biologically relevant populations of cells. It includes (1) the discovery of new, innovative tools for spatiotemporal imaging, manipulation, analysis and modeling of a biologically relevant population of cells with minimal perturbation, (2) milestone-driven validation and translation of technologies for characterizing single cells in situ meeting the needs of end users, and (3) growth of this multidisciplinary research community through workshops and collective endeavors. (Richard Conroy, Richard.Conroy@mail.nih.gov)
• Biomedical Imaging Informatics – This program, supported by funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as part of an initiative within the Department of Health and Human Services, focuses on accelerating the dissemination and implementation of evidence-based biomedical imaging practices. The program includes (1) development of comprehensive clinical decision support tools with automated integration of medical knowledge and dynamic information on available local resources and (2) use of bioinformatics tools to inform and assess decision-making impact by patients and providers, and portable, low cost technologies that provide expert support at the point-of-care. (James Luo, James. Luo@ nih.gov)
• The Human Connectome Project – The 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. (Guoying Liu, liug@mail.nih.gov)

Back to Top

NIBIB Contacts

Please contact NIBIB program staff with 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 are listed on the NIBIB website at www.nibib.nih.gov/Research/ProgramAreas.

Back to Top

Printable Fact Sheet