National Resource Network for the Study of Human Auditory and Vestibular Disorders

The National Institutes on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) seeks to advance its mission by continuing to support a collaborative network, NIDCD National Human Ear Resource Network, which serves as a critical national technological resource for auditory and vestibular researchers who use human inner and middle ear tissues for basic and clinical studies focused on understanding human auditory and vestibular disorders. In collaboration with NIDCD and other Network laboratories, each laboratory is anticipated to advance the use of human ear tissue in biomedical research by developing and providing technical services for procuring, preparing, sectioning and distributing high-quality human ear tissues; developing and disseminating techniques for improved tissue preservation and processing; uploading digitized temporal bone images to NIDCD-approved databases for wide dissemination; and providing opportunities for technical instruction in the special skills needed to prepare ear tissue for use from post-mortem human temporal bones.

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;

The major elements in evaluating applications include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the environment and available resources for the proposed project; (5) the necessity of budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives; (7) innovation; (8) risk to human subjects, including inclusion of minorities, inclusion across the lifespan, and animal protection. The following additional criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR grant applications: (1) The technological innovation of the proposed research; (2) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application.