Modular R01s in Cancer Control and Population Sciences

Funding Opportunity Number: PA-25-172

Purpose

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) calls for research on a broad range of scientific areas within NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Populations Sciences’ (DCCPS) mission and portfolio, including but not limited to research in statistical and analytic methods, epidemiology and genomics, cancer survivorship, cancer-related behaviors, healthcare delivery, digital health and data science, and implementation science.

Background

Competition for research funding has grown increasingly more challenging, and the stakes are particularly high within NCI and NIH. In addition to an increasing number of R01 applications, another issue that the NCI is grappling with is the increasing average cost of grants, and the resulting increased competition for limited funds. Additionally, as the cost of grants continues to increase, scientists and policy-makers are concerned about the challenges early-stage investigators (ESIs) face, including the length of time it takes to achieve their first R01 award. Chief among those challenges is the unprecedented number of applicants competing for funding. This has become a focal point of NIH with the Next Generation Researchers Initiative, and in the call to action in the 21st Century Cures Act, “to promote opportunities for new researchers and earlier research independence, such as policies to increase opportunities for new researchers to receive funding, enhance training and mentorship programs for researchers, and enhance workforce diversity.”

This NOFO will promote a diversity of research topics and scientific challenges in the population sciences that lend themselves to a shorter time span and reduced budget. This NOFO encourages and supports ESIs and grows the ESI applicant pool and portfolio.

Scope

The mission of NCI’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) is to reduce risk, incidence, and deaths from cancer, as well as enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors. The division conducts and supports an integrated program of the highest quality genetic, epidemiologic, behavioral, social, applied, and surveillance cancer research. DCCPS-funded research aims to understand the causes and distribution of cancer in populations, support the development and delivery of effective interventions, and monitor and explain cancer trends in all segments of the population.

For more information, please see the opportunity webpage.