CIP supports high-quality extramural research in a number of ways. Investigator-initiated research ideas remain central to the strong portfolio. Here, individual investigators or teams of collaborators generate research ideas based on their perception of the progress of science and the current needs in the field of biomedical imaging. That is, those who are close to the problems are researching solutions. Funding mechanisms include R01, R21, and small business grants.
In addition to investigator-initiated research projects, CIP creates direction in imaging research through specific program announcements. For example, these announcements direct the attention of clinical researchers to the generation of clinical trials or to support academic and industrial researchers to meet translational research goals that might otherwise go unfulfilled. Several of the current program announcements supported by CIP are listed here.