Notice of Intent to Publish a Request for Applications for the Use of Real-Time fMRI for Control of Brain Activity in Substance Abuse

Notice Number: NOT-DA-08-001

Key Dates
Release Date: October 15, 2007

Issued by
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), (http://www.nida.nih.gov)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), possibly in conjunction with other NIH Institutes and Centers (IC's), intends to publish a Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit applications for exploratory research on the use of fMRI in human subjects for online, real-time monitoring and subject control of MRI signal in brain regions implicated in substance abuse and addiction. Demonstration of subject modulation of activity in these regions in response to real-time information holds potential for understanding not only neurobiological underpinnings or sequelae of substance abuse, but also potential therapeutic approaches. Although the long term goal would be studies of substance abuser populations, proposals may include studies in healthy human subjects to demonstrate feasibility, including implementation or dissemination of relevant technology and methodology. These studies would be optimally conducted by interdisciplinary research teams that encompass brain imaging, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral treatment expertise. The RFA is expected to be published in late 2007 with an expected receipt date in March, 2008.

Inquiries

For further information regarding this potential RFA, please contact:

Dr. James Bjork
National Institute on Drug Abuse
6001 Executive Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-443-3209
Fax: 301-443-6814
E-mail: jbjork@mail.nih.gov