Exploratory Grants in Cancer Control (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)
Support for innovative research to improve cancer control through behavior modification, screening, and understanding etiologic factors, with the aim of advancing population-based cancer studies.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: June 16, 2025 (New) | July 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | September 7, 2025 (AIDS) | October 16, 2025 (New) | November 16, 2025 (Renewal/Resubmission/Revision) | January 7, 2026 (AIDS) | ...through September 7, 2028
Funding Amounts: Up to $275,000 direct costs over 2 years; no more than $200,000 in any single year; project period max 2 years.
Summary: Supports early-stage, innovative research to advance cancer control through behavioral, screening, etiologic, and population-based studies.
Key Information: R21 mechanism; clinical trials are optional; preliminary data not required; foreign organizations eligible.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) at NIH, supports exploratory/developmental (R21) research projects focused on cancer control. The program aims to foster the early and conceptual stages of research on novel scientific ideas that could substantially advance population-based cancer research. Projects may address behavioral modification, screening, understanding etiologic factors, and developing new methods or models for cancer control. The overarching goal is to reduce cancer risk, incidence, morbidity, and mortality, and to improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
Research supported may include, but is not limited to:
- Development and validation of new methods, technologies, or tools in surveillance, epidemiology, health care delivery, and behavioral sciences.
- Identification of modifiable risk or host susceptibility factors for cancer etiology, prevention, and treatment outcomes.
- Clinical and translational science to reduce cancer risk and improve survivorship.
- Cross-cutting themes such as geospatial approaches, early risk factors, and health disparities.
Note: This opportunity is not intended for basic cancer biology, development of cancer therapies, or diagnostics.
