The primary objective of this program announcement is to encourage basic, applied, and translational bioengineering research that could make a significant contribution to improving human health. Bioengineering integrates physical, engineering, and computational science principles for the study of biology, medicine, behavior, or health. It advances fundamental concepts, creates knowledge from the molecular to the organ systems level, and develops innovative biologicals, materials, processes, implants, devices, and informatics approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, for patient rehabilitation, and for improving health. Some BRP projects may propose research that could lead to a novel device as a product. Partnership with companies that have relevant expertise or that may eventually be involved in commercialization is appropriate under the BRP program.

A second objective is to encourage collaborations and partnerships among the allied quantitative and biomedical disciplines. A BRP must bring together the necessary physical, engineering, and computational science expertise with biological or clinical expertise and resources to address a significant area of bioengineering research within the mission of the NIH. In addition to the benefits to be derived from the research, the collaborations and partnerships can create opportunities for trans-disciplinary communication and training for a new generation of scientists capable of interacting across traditional technical boundaries.

Applications for a BRP award should focus bioengineering research on an area of basic, applied, translational, behavioral, or clinical research that supports the missions of the participating NIH institutes and centers and where progress is likely to make a significant contribution to improving human health. Some NIH institutes and centers have indicated that they will only consider BRP applications in specific focus areas or use different budget caps. These institutes and focus areas are available at http://www.becon.nih.gov/becon_brpareas.htm.

See full description in NIH Guide: PAR-06-459