Coordinating Center for 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 publishing a Notice of Funding Opportunity to solicit applications for a Coordinating Center for the National Human Ear Resource Network. The National Human Ear Resource Network is a critical national technological resource for auditory and vestibular researchers who use human inner and middle ear tissues for a range of basic and clinical studies. The Network serves as a nucleus for expanding the use of human temporal bones in the research community and facilitates communication and collaboration between laboratories that utilize human temporal bones in their research. It is anticipated that the Network Coordinating Center will, among other duties, coordinate and chair regular meetings with Network laboratories, work closely with NIDCD staff to disseminate to the scientific and clinical communities information regarding Network activities and facilitate communication and collaboration within the Network and with laboratories across the United States.

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;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

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.