Jun 2, 2025, 09:17

Co-infection and Cancer (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

R21 grants to support exploratory “break‐through” studies—either mechanistic or epidemiologic—on how co-infection with two or more pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites, microbiome) contributes to carcinogenesis, cancer progression, and disparities. HIV-only co-infection studies are not allowed. Clinical trials are not permitted; however, laboratory models, imaging approaches, and analyses of previously collected human specimens are encouraged.

Eligibility

Eligible entities (U.S. & foreign):
- Higher education institutions (public/private)
- Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3))
- For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
- Local/state governments; tribal and Native American organizations
- Faith-based/community-based organizations; regional entities
- Non-domestic (foreign) entities and foreign components of U.S. organizations
Investigators: Any qualified PD/PI(s) with an eRA Commons account. Multidisciplinary teams (e.g., microbiology, cancer biology, epidemiology, imaging) are strongly encouraged.
Project types: R21 Exploratory/Developmental mechanism; no clinical trials allowed. Pilot/exploratory studies without extensive preliminary data.

Funding

Mechanism: R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (clinical trial not allowed)
Budget limits:
- ≤$275,000 total direct costs over 2 years
- ≤$200,000 direct costs in any single year
Project period: Up to 2 years
Number of awards: Dependent on NIH appropriations and merit of applications

Key Dates

Posted Date: November 08, 2024
Open Date (Earliest Submission): January 16, 2025
Letter of Intent: 30 days before each due date
Application Due Dates (all by 5:00 PM local time):
- February 16, 2025 * → Review July 2025 → Council October 2025 → Start December 2025
- June 16, 2025 * → Review November 2025 → Council January 2026 → Start April 2026
- October 16, 2025 * → Review March 2026 → Council May 2026 → Start July 2026
Expiration Date: January 08, 2026

Contacts

General Epidemiology & NOFO Questions:
- Tram Kim Lam, Ph.D., M.P.H.
  
  Telephone: 240-276-6967 | Email: [email protected]
Methods & Technologies:
- Rao (Mahesh) Divi, M.D.
  
  NCI | 240-276-6913 | [email protected]
Biospecimens:
- Danielle Carrick, Ph.D.
  
  NCI | 240-276-6749 | [email protected]
Basic Mechanistic Studies:
- Phil Daschner, M.S. | 240-276-6227 | [email protected]
- Elizabeth Read-Connole, Ph.D. | 240-276-6190 | [email protected]
Biomarkers & Early Detection:
- Jo Ann Rinaudo, Ph.D. | 240-276-7133 | [email protected]