NIH Single Cell Analysis Challenge: Follow That Cell

TAGS:
Requests for Partners and Suppliers, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Engin
eering/Design, Nature, Computer Science/Information Technology, Scientific
American, Chemistry, Math/Statistics, Theoretical-licensing
AWARD: $100,000 USD | DEADLINE: 12/15/14 | ACTIVE SOLVERS: 403 |
POSTED: 8/15/14
Many biological experiments are performed under the assumption that all ce
lls of a particular type are identical. However, recent data suggest that ind
ividual cells within a single population may differ quite significantly and thes
e differences can drive the health and function of the entire cell population.
Single cell analysis comprises a broad field that covers advanced optical, ele
ctrochemical, mass spectrometry instrumentation, and sensor technology, as
well as separation and sequencing techniques. Although the approaches curr
ently in use can offer snapshots of single cells, the methods are often not am
enable to longitudinal studies that monitor changes in individual cells in situ.

The NIH Single Cell Analysis Program (SCAP) is searching for novel method
s for analyzing dynamic states of individual cells that can serve as the basis f
or predicting alterations in cell behavior and function over time. The ultimat
e goal is to develop new tools and methods that allow time-dependent measu
rements at the single cell level in a complex tissue environment to assess fun
ctional changes, provide information on the health status of a given cell, and
help guide diagnosis and therapeutic treatments related to human disease st
ates. Technological breakthroughs in this arena could allow researchers and
physicians to identify rare cells in a mixed population such as individual cells
that can transform and become cancerous; cells that are latently infected wit
h a pathogenic virus; or cells that develop resistance to drugs over time. Thi
s challenge is structured in 2 phases: Phase 1 is a Theoretical Challenge and
Phase 2, a Reduction to Practice Challenge. Phase 1 may award up to 6 prize
s from a total prize award pool of $100,000 for the theoretical portion of the
competition.

In addition to the direct monetary awards, the prize winners and selected ru
nners-up will be recognized by the NIH Common Fund Single Cell Analysis P
rogram and invited to attend The 3rd Annual Single Cell Analysis Investigato
rs Meeting in Rockville, Maryland, USA on April 20, 2015. In addition to the

public announcement, this opportunity may include paid travel and accomm
odations to the event and potential participation as an invited speaker at the
discretion of the NIH.

Prize winners and selected runners-up with a qualifying score in Phase 1 will
be invited to participate in Phase 2, which is a Reduction to Practice challen
ge to provide proof of concept data related to their Phase 1 entries. Phase 2
may award up to 2 winning solutions from a total pool of $400,000.

Phase 1 (Theoretical) Challenge requires only a written proposal.

Phase 2 (Reduction to Practice) Challenge will require documentation of Pha

se 1 implementation including the submission of data.

Source: InnoCentive

Challenge ID: 9933618