NIH’s National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) will use supplemental funding to partner with engineers and scientists from India. The goal is to develop low cost diagnostic and therapeutic medical technologies to be used in underserved communities worldwide.
The supplemental funding was announced at the U.S. India Science and Technology Joint Commission meeting in Washington D.C. on June 24, 2010. The initiative between NIBIB and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) of the Ministry of Science and Technology in India, will made it possible for the two nations to capitalize on the expertise and resources of both nations and develop medical technologies that will significantly impact underserved populations.
Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals for any collaborative technology development or device that would be appropriate in a low resource setting, such as low cost imaging devices or point-of-care screening tests. More information and examples of potential low cost technologies can be found at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-EB-10-002.html.
Applications are now being accepted. Funding amounts will vary and are limited to 25 percent of the direct costs of an existing NIBIB grant. The funding opportunity closes on September 10, 2011.
NIBIB and DBT have established an online networking group at LinkedIn.com www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2949818&trk-=anet_ug_hm. Scientists, engineers, and clinicians with interest in medical technologies for low resource settings are encouraged to participate in the Indo-U.S. Coalition for Low Cost Medical Technologies LinkedIn group.
