Exploratory Grants in Cancer Epidemiology (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 19 277

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 19 277

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Exploratory Grants in Cancer Epidemiology (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-19-277) supports early-stage, high-potential ideas in cancer epidemiology through the NIH Exploratory/Developmental Grant mechanism (R21). The program is designed for projects that are still in the formative or proof-of-concept phase, where investigators may be developing a novel approach, testing feasibility, generating preliminary data, or piloting innovative methods that could later grow into larger population-based cancer research studies.

The main purpose of this FOA is to help researchers move bold concepts forward in cancer epidemiology, especially concepts that could meaningfully improve how population-based cancer research is conducted. A major emphasis is placed on method development and refinement. This includes improving data collection strategies (for example, new ways to measure exposures over time, reduce measurement error, or integrate modern data sources), as well as developing and validating measures of exposures and biological effects that can be used in large, real-world populations. The FOA explicitly highlights scientific areas such as epigenetics and metabolomics, pointing to interest in projects that can translate advanced molecular or biochemical measures into tools that work reliably in epidemiologic settings. It also encourages work on functional assessment of genetic variants, reflecting the need to go beyond identifying statistical associations and toward understanding what specific variants do biologically and how they may influence cancer risk, progression, or outcomes at the population level.

Another priority area is improving recruitment and participation strategies for groups that are often understudied or underrepresented in cancer research. This can include developing and evaluating recruitment methods, engagement approaches, and study designs that are more effective, culturally responsive, or logistically feasible for these populations. The intent is to strengthen the validity and generalizability of cancer epidemiology findings by ensuring that studies can better reach and retain diverse communities and reflect real population variation.

This opportunity uses a grant funding instrument and falls under the Health and Education funding activity category, with CFDA number 93.393. The award ceiling is listed as $200,000, and the clinical trial component is optional, meaning applicants may propose a study that includes a clinical trial if it fits the aims, but it is not required. The original closing date provided in the source information is 2021-10-08, and the FOA was created on 2019-05-08.

Eligibility is broad, which supports participation across academic, government, nonprofit, community, and private-sector settings. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and special district governments; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations (including those other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (outside of higher education institutions); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also calls out additional eligible applicant types, emphasizing inclusion of institutions and organizations that serve specific communities, such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). It also allows eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), which can be important for cancer epidemiology questions that benefit from international settings, unique populations, or cross-country comparisons.

Overall, PAR-19-277 is aimed at catalyzing innovative, early-phase cancer epidemiology research that can open new directions for population science. It is especially well-suited for investigators proposing methodologically creative projects, new measurement tools for exposures and biological processes, novel applications of omics to population studies, functional follow-up of genetic findings, and practical strategies to improve representation of understudied populations in cancer research.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Exploratory Grants in Cancer Epidemiology (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.393.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-05-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-10-08. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 19 277

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