NIH funding in the biophotonics community.
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SIGNIFICANCE: This work provides a data-driven characterization of NIH funding to the biophotonics community, offering investigators, researchers, and funding agencies a clearer picture of where the field excels and where opportunities for growth remain. AIM: We aim to characterize the current NIH funding landscape supporting core biophotonics technologies and identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for future growth. APPROACH: NIH-funded biophotonics projects in 2024 were identified using two complementary strategies: (1) a broad keyword-driven search of NIH RePORTER and (2) a targeted investigator-centered search based on participation in biophotonics-focused journals and conferences. Project abstracts were analyzed using a large language model to perform keyword clustering and automated classification across multiple dimensions, including funding institute, optical modality, clinical/disease focus, and geographic distribution. A focused analysis of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) portfolio was also performed. RESULTS: The broad query captured ∼$3.3 billion in 2024 grant funding that may be connected to biophotonics. However, optical technologies were peripheral to the primary research aims in a substantial fraction of these awards. The targeted community-based approach identified $288 million in funding directly aligned with core biophotonic imaging and sensing. Cancer, neuroscience, and vision collectively represented 44% of this direct portfolio. The most common modalities included microscopy, endoscopy, fluorescence/bioluminescence imaging, and optical coherence tomography. Funding related to chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular and kidney disease), infectious diseases, aging, and reproductive and child health was proportionally underrepresented relative to NIH-wide priorities. CONCLUSIONS: NIH exhibits strong support for biophotonics innovation in cancer, neuroscience, and vision science, reflecting historical strengths of the field. However, a substantial opportunity exists to expand impact toward areas of high national health burden where optical technologies remain underutilized. These data may help inform NIH institute-level strategies and community advocacy efforts to align future biophotonics investments with broader public health needs.