The NIH’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers the Academic-Industrial Partnerships (AIP) R01 grant to support collaborations that translate imaging and spectroscopic technologies into practical applications for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research. This grant, intended as a funding mechanism to advance imaging technology rather than a support structure for specific clinical research, aims to encourage academic-industrial partnerships that can leverage complementary strengths and accelerate the development of imaging systems and methods that address significant needs in cancer care. The program accepts applications for projects that either involve clinical trials or do not.

Proposed projects should focus on the translation and validation of technologies that advance cancer research and care, such as diagnostic imaging, therapy monitoring, or other imaging technologies relevant to cancer biology. These technologies can include innovations in quantifiable imaging, spectroscopic tools, machine learning applications, contrast agents, and intraoperative imaging systems for real-time analysis during surgery. Specific research objectives encompass the development of imaging techniques to identify cancer margins, cancer-activated agents to detect small tumor colonies, and imaging algorithms to enhance detection accuracy and treatment measurement. Projects may also incorporate AI tools to support image analysis and address reproducibility, speed, and cost-effectiveness.

To be eligible, applications must include a formal partnership between an academic and an industrial organization. This partnership is essential, as it allows the academic partners to benefit from industry rigor in standards such as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which can facilitate efficient translation of prototypes to validated systems. Industrial partners, in turn, benefit from academic expertise in research innovation, potentially reducing the risks associated with early-stage development. The structure of these partnerships must be designed to effectively manage resources and responsibilities, and each partner’s role must be clearly delineated within the proposed budget and project timeline.

The award budget limits direct costs to less than $500,000 annually, and project periods can last up to five years. Projects that focus solely on commercial production, basic research, or clinical studies without translational goals are not eligible. All applications must adhere strictly to the application guidelines, as deviations can result in delayed or rejected applications. Additionally, NIH standard policies for budget requests and registrations apply, and required registrations can take over six weeks to complete, so early preparation is advised.

Reviewers will assess applications based on the significance, innovation, rigor, and feasibility of the proposed research. The scientific merit of the project, its potential for innovation, and the translational path toward cancer-related solutions will weigh heavily in the evaluation. Applications will also be assessed for the robustness of partnership structures, the experience and expertise of the team, and the likelihood of achieving milestones within the proposed timeline. A governance plan detailing collaboration, decision-making, and resource sharing is required to demonstrate that the partnership can effectively manage the project’s translational goals.

Key dates include an earliest submission date of January 5, 2025, with application deadlines on February 5, 2025, and October 5, 2025, for each review cycle. Applicants must adhere to NIH submission deadlines, with all applications due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Detailed information about application submission, contacts for questions, and access to updated forms will be provided in advance of the application deadlines.

This grant program provides an opportunity for academic and industrial teams to address significant gaps in cancer imaging and diagnostic technologies through translational research that enhances or validates new technologies. Through collaborative innovation, successful projects under this funding opportunity will potentially make significant advancements in cancer detection, diagnosis, and patient care.