What does CBRI mean in COMPUTING

The Computational Biology Research Initiative (CBRI) is a research program sponsored by the National Institute of Health (NIH) that supports the use of computation and data science to answer questions in the field of biology and biomedicine. CBRI grantees develop new methods, tools, and approaches to address challenges in understanding complex biological systems.

The CBRI awards grants for a variety of projects including the development of new algorithms or software programs, acquisition of large datasets, modeling and simulations of biological systems, or exploring how existing data can be used to uncover novel insights. Moreover, it provides funding for training opportunities and workshops related to computational biology research.

To be eligible for CBRI funding, applicants must be affiliated with U.S.-based nonprofit organizations such as universities or research institutes. Individuals are not eligible to apply directly but may participate on teams headed by an organization or institution.

Potential projects could include developing tools to help analyze large datasets; simulating disease models such as cancer progression; integrating databases across different areas of biomedical research; developing visualizations or machine learning applications to ask new questions about gene-disease associations; or using computational approaches to study dynamic biological processes such as gene regulation.

Special equipment may be necessary depending on your project's scope and complexity. You should clearly describe any special equipment needed in your application so that the reviewers can understand your plans fully. Please note that there is no additional funding available specifically for purchasing equipment through this grant mechanism.

While having a doctorate or other advanced degree may provide valuable experiences for successful applicants, it is not required in order to apply for the CBRI initiative. Applicants may have a range of educational backgrounds from undergraduate level up through post-doctoral training depending on their area of expertise and experience related to their proposed project.

All proposals that meet eligibility requirements will be reviewed anonymously by experts in relevant fields based on criteria related to scientific significance, innovation, approach and feasibility studies among other things. Additionally, applications must receive prior approval from relevant Institutional Review Boards (IRBs).

Yes, projects funded by CBRI are usually limited in size with maximum grant amounts ranging between $50,000-$250,000 per year for up to three years depending on availability of funds.

The NIH strives to promote diversity within its grant making process by encouraging inclusion of individuals from groups underrepresented in healthcare professions such as women and racial/ethnic minorities as well as those who have disabilities or come from disadvantaged backgrounds so they can make meaningful contributions in health-related research.