Jun 1, 2025, 18:24

Notice of Special Interest: Exploratory Cancer Immunology Projects and Technologies (ExCITe)

The National Cancer Institute invites R21 applications for high-risk, high-reward cancer immunology studies—testing novel hypotheses or technologies to deepen our understanding of tumor–immune interactions, metastasis immunity, immunosurveillance, and tumor immune evasion. Projects should break new ground beyond traditional R01 scope and have the potential to transform cancer immunotherapy.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicant Type: Any U.S. or foreign higher-education institution, nonprofit, or for-profit organization eligible under PA-20-195 or PA-20-196.
Investigator Qualifications: PD/PI must have relevant expertise in cancer immunology or related disciplines and track record of productivity. Early Stage Investigators are encouraged.
Project Scope:
- Must focus on fundamental cancer immunology (innate/adaptive responses, tumor–immune ecosystems, systemic immunity, metastasis immunity, immunosurveillance, immune evasion, or immunomodulation).
- Should propose innovative assays, in vitro/in vivo models, or platforms to interrogate tumor–immune dynamics.
- Must be distinct in scope from R01 mechanisms (i.e., truly exploratory and potentially transformative).
Non-Responsive Projects:
- Purely biomarker discovery (screening, diagnostics, or prognostic tools).
- Cancer preventive agents or established combination therapies.
- Mechanistic studies of immune-related adverse events.
- Bioengineering solutions without a clear focus on exploratory immunology.

Funding Details:

Mechanisms: Submit under either:
- PA-20-195 (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- PA-20-196 (R21 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required)
Budget & Project Period:
- Follow parent R21 FOA guidelines (up to $275 000 total costs over two years, with no more than $200 000 in any single year).
- Project period limited to two years.
Special Instructions:
- Include “NOT-CA-24-016” in box 4B (Agency Routing Identifier) of the SF424 (R&R) form.
- Applications lacking that identifier will be withdrawn.

Deadline:

Subsequent Due Dates: Per the parent FOA schedule through November 17, 2026
Expiration Date: November 17, 2026

Where to Go for Further Information:

NOSI Full Text.
Scientific Contact (NCI):
- Dr. Monica Zamisch (240-706-4417, [email protected])
Grants Management Contact (NCI):
- Crystal Wolfrey (240-276-6277, [email protected])