PA-25-253
Exploratory Grants in Cancer Control (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Summary
Exploratory Grants in Cancer Control (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Research Focus
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks early-stage, high-risk/high-reward research to advance population-based cancer control through novel techniques, methodologies, models, and applications. Funded projects should generate preliminary data and proof-of-concept findings that enable larger studies, rather than demonstrate extensive feasibility. Research spans cancer surveillance, epidemiology, behavioral science, health services delivery, and cancer survivorship—addressing how behavioral, environmental, genetic, social, and cultural factors influence cancer risk, incidence, and outcomes.
Priority areas include: epidemiology and genomics (data harmonization, multi-omics integration, artificial intelligence approaches, epigenetic and metabolomic methods, diverse population genetics, patient-generated health data via wearables and mobile apps); behavioral research (psychosocial interventions across the cancer control continuum, tobacco use, diet and energy balance, sun protection, communication and informatics); health care delivery and implementation science (dissemination and diffusion of evidence-based interventions, health disparities, geospatial approaches to cancer risk). The program emphasizes translating discoveries from basic biological, behavioral, and social sciences into cancer control studies and clinical/public health practice.
At-a-Glance
- Who can apply: Not stated (see full application guide for institutional eligibility)
- Funding & project length: 2 years of support; specific award amounts not stated in excerpt
- Award mechanism: R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant
- Key dates: Applications due February 16, 2025 (earliest); subsequent rounds June 16, October 16, 2025, and beyond through September 8, 2028 (expiration)
- Best fit for: Population scientists, epidemiologists, behavioral researchers, health services researchers with novel, early-stage ideas in cancer prevention, screening, treatment outcomes, or survivorship—not requiring extensive preliminary data
Key Facts
Deadline
Thu, September 7, 2028
Posted
Tue, November 12, 2024
Award / Year (direct costs)
$275,000
Max Total
$550,000
Max Duration
2 years
Keywords
Research Areas
Gotchas (2)
R21 mechanism explicitly requires that extensive preliminary data demonstrating feasibility is OUT OF SCOPE—applications with too much preliminary work will be rejected
95%
Source Text
“An R21 grant application should not have extensive background material or preliminary information. Extensive preliminary data demonstrating feasibility is an indication that the project is beyond the scope of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).”
FOA was updated March 31, 2025 to align with agency priorities; applicants must carefully reread and adjust applications, but specific changes are not detailed in the provided text
85%
Source Text
“This funding opportunity was updated to align with agency priorities. Carefully reread the full funding opportunity and make any needed adjustments to your application prior to submission.”