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

Background
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits grant applications proposing exploratory research projects focused on further development and validation of emerging technologies offering novel capabilities for targeting, probing, or assessing molecular and cellular features of cancer biology for basic or clinical cancer research. This NOFO solicits R33 applications where major feasibility gaps for the technology or methodology have been overcome, as demonstrated with supportive preliminary data, but still requires further development and rigorous validation to encourage adoption by the research community. Well-suited applications must offer the potential to accelerate and/or enhance research in the areas of cancer biology, early detection and screening, clinical diagnosis, treatment, control, epidemiology, and/or address issues associated with cancer health disparities.

Technologies proposed for development may be intended to have widespread applicability but must be focused on improving molecular and/or cellular characterizations of cancer. Projects proposing application of existing technologies where the novelty resides in the biological or clinical target/question being pursued are not appropriate for this solicitation and will not be reviewed.

Grant Details
This funding opportunity is part of a broader NCI-sponsored Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program. The proposed projects must be focused on the development and validation of an emerging molecular or cellular analysis technology in a biologically relevant system.

All projects proposed in response to this NOFO must involve all the following general attributes: Potential for substantial improvements over current approaches and/or adding qualitatively new research capabilities. Offers novel capabilities that may be judged by appropriate experts as potentially transformative to research in laboratory, epidemiology, and/or in clinical settings, and beyond providing incremental improvements to existing capabilities. Rigorous study design with a verifiable approach based on well-defined performance measures.

Eligibility Requirements
All organizations administering an eligible parent award may apply for a supplement under this NOFO. Eligible organizations include higher education institutions, nonprofits other than institutions of higher education, for-profit organizations, small businesses, local governments, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Indian/Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), Indian/Native American tribal governments (other than federally recognized), federal government agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, independent school districts, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (organizations), foreign organizations.

Period of Performance
The total project period request may not exceed 3 years.

Grant Value
NCI intends to fund an estimate of 10 awards corresponding to a total of $4,300,000 for the fiscal year 2025.