The NCI Basic Research in Cancer Health Disparities R21 supports innovative pilot and feasibility studies investigating biological and genetic factors that contribute to unequal cancer incidence, progression, treatment response, morbidity, and mortality across underserved populations. (Grants.gov)
Projects may explore cancer biology, prevention, early detection, tumor initiation and progression, immunology, metabolism, microbiota, symptoms and treatment effects, or novel computational and experimental technologies. The R21 mechanism is specifically intended for exploratory, novel research capable of opening new scientific directions and potentially leading to larger future studies such as R01 projects. (Grants.gov)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Public and private institutions of higher education are eligible.
- Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including small businesses, may apply.
- Eligible governmental, tribal, community-based, and regional organizations may apply.
- Foreign/non-U.S. organizations are eligible.
- Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations and foreign components are permitted.
- Cost sharing is not required.
Funding Details:
- Maximum combined direct costs: $275,000 over 2 years.
- Applicants may request no more than $200,000 in direct costs in any single year.
- Maximum project period: 2 years.
- The number of awards is not predetermined and depends on NIH appropriations and the number of meritorious applications.
Deadline:
For the current 2026 cycle:
- Next new-application deadline: October 16, 2026
- Resubmission deadline: November 16, 2026
- Scientific merit review: March 2027
- Advisory Council review: May 2027
- Earliest project start: July 2027.
- Current status: Open
Further Information:
- Official opportunity information: Visit the Simpler.Grants.gov listing for PAR-25-244 for current status, eligibility, documents, and application information.
- Full NCI funding announcement: Review the official NIH PAR-25-244 NOFO for the complete scientific scope, eligibility requirements, review criteria, and submission instructions.
- Application submission: Applications may be prepared through NIH ASSIST, an institutional system-to-system solution, or Grants.gov Workspace, with submission tracking through eRA Commons.
- Companion opportunity: Investigators seeking support for larger, more developed projects should also review the companion R01 cancer health disparities funding mechanism referenced in the official NOFO.
- Scientific contacts: NCI lists Anu Sharman, PhD; Christine Nadeau, PhD; Tiffany Wallace, PhD; and Asad Umar, DVM, PhD as scientific/research contacts for this opportunity; their contact details are provided in Section VII of the official NOFO.