Human Tumor Atlas (HTA) Research Centers (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is soliciting applications for Human Tumor Atlas (HTA) Research Centers, which is one of the three scientific components of the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN). The HTAN is a collaborative research initiative for constructing 3-dimensional (3D) and dynamic atlases of the cellular, morphological, molecular, and spatial features of human cancers and their surrounding microenvironments as they progress from precancerous lesions to advanced disease. The HTA Research Centers will construct one human precancer or advanced cancer atlas with a focus on how evolving spatial relationships contribute to important transitions in cancer from tumor initiation to metastasis.

Grant Details
Each HTA Research Center will have three major areas of responsibility: (1) biospecimen acquisition, processing, and annotation, (2) molecular, cellular, and spatial characterization, and (3) data processing, analysis, modeling, and visualization. The NCI's HTAN was launched in response to the Cancer Moonshot Initiative’s Blue-Ribbon Panel Report and the authorization of the 21st Century Cures Act. The purpose is to create dynamic 3D maps of human tumor evolution to document the genetic lesions and cellular interactions of each tumor as it evolves from a precancerous lesion to advanced cancer. The HTAN teams were directed to build atlases that could be employed to answer specific biological and/or clinical questions related to tumor evolution. The HTAN has generated valuable resources for the community including data and metadata standards, experimental protocols, analytical methods underlying the HTAN atlases, and open access publications.

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, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, Indian/Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), 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.

Period of Performance
The project period is 5 years.

Grant Value
NCI intends to commit $7 million in FY 2024 to fund up to 5 awards. The application budget should not exceed $800,000 in direct cost per year.