Jun 2, 2025, 08:21

Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Molecular and Cellular Analysis Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R33 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Supports Phase II (R33) projects that have already demonstrated feasibility (with preliminary data) for novel technologies to target, probe, or assess molecular and/or cellular features of cancer biology. Applications must propose further development, optimization, and rigorous validation of those technologies—beyond proof-of-concept—to enable broad adoption in basic, clinical, or epidemiological cancer research. Responsive projects should address unmet technical needs (e.g., early detection, diagnostics, treatment, epidemiology, health-disparities research) and demonstrate quantitative performance measures in a biologically relevant context.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible organizations: U.S. and foreign higher-education institutions; nonprofits; for-profit entities (including small businesses); local/state governments; faith-based or community organizations; Tribal organizations; and other entities listed in Section III.1.
PD/PI(s) must have an eRA Commons account.
Projects must be technology-development–focused (no clinical trials).
Must include supportive preliminary data showing feasibility and specify remaining development/validation gaps.
Applications lacking clear, quantitative performance measures or focused on biological hypotheses (rather than tool validation) will be deemed nonresponsive.

Funding Details

Mechanism: R33 Exploratory/Developmental Grant (Phase II)
Direct costs: Up to $300,000 per year
Project period: Up to 3 years
Estimated awards (FY 2026): ~10, totaling $4.3 million
No clinical trial or toxicology costs beyond technology validation

Key Deadlines

Letter of Intent: 30 days before application due date
Application Due Dates:
- October 3, 2025 (peer review February 2026; earliest start July 2026)

(All applications due by 5:00 PM applicant’s local time)

Biomedical Technology Cancer research cancer technology cellular analysis exploratory grant grant opportunity IMAT innovative tools molecular analysis NCI NIH performance measures Phase II development R33 technology validation

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