[National Institutes of Health](https://www.nih.gov)

November 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Exploratory/developmental projects: up to 2 years; research projects: 4–5 years; typical NIH award amounts based on project scope.

Supports research to develop precision radiation-synthetic combination strategies for new anticancer treatments, emphasizing context-dependent vulnerabilities.

--- ## Description This forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) solicits research projects investigating actionable synthetic vulnerabilities that can be conditionally paired with tumor responses to radiation therapy. The program aims to advance the development and adoption of radiation-synthetic combination strategies within the precision medicine toolkit, ultimately leading to new and more effective anticancer therapies. The PAIRS initiative is unique in its focus on leveraging context-dependent effects of radiation therapy (RT) in combination with molecularly targeted agents. Projects should address innovative cancer therapy strategies that exploit RT-induced, context-specific tumor vulnerabilities, with an emphasis on precision, scientific rigor, and reproducibility. The program supports both exploratory/developmental projects (up to 2 years) and full research projects (4–5 years), streamlining previous funding mechanisms to accelerate progress in this research area. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Exploratory/developmental research projects: up to 2 years of support. - Research projects: 4–5 years of support. - Award amounts will vary based on project scope and are consistent with typical NIH grant levels for similar research projects. - No cost sharing or matching requirement. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State, county, city, and township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized and other) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) - Private institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - U.S. Territories and possessions - Faith-based or community-based organizations - Regional organizations - Eligible agencies of the Federal Government - Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361399) when the official NOFO is released. - Carefully review the full program announcement for detailed submission requirements and evaluation criteria (to be published closer to the due date). - Applicants may choose between submitting exploratory/developmental or full research project proposals. --- ## Additional Information - The PAIRS program emphasizes the rational design of conditional RT-synthetic combination strategies that exploit tumor-specific vulnerabilities while minimizing harm to normal tissues. - The NOFO consolidates prior funding mechanisms for streamlined application and review. - Clinical trial options may be included as part of the research project. --- ## External Links - [NIH Homepage](https://www.nih.gov) - [Official Grants.gov Forecast Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361399) --- ## Contact Information | Program Contact | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------| | NCI PAIRS Program | [pairsresearchgrants@nih.gov](mailto:pairsresearchgrants@nih.gov) | 240-276-5703 |

Precision Approaches in Radiation Synthetic Combinations (PAIRS, RP1 Clinical Trial Optional)

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