The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has issued a funding opportunity for Program Project (P01) applications under PAR-23-059. This opportunity supports multidisciplinary cancer research projects with the goal of addressing major challenges in cancer biology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control. Applicants can propose basic, translational, clinical, and population-based studies across all areas of cancer research. Each submitted Program Project must consist of at least three interrelated research projects centered around a common theme and must include an Administrative Core for oversight.

The purpose of this funding is to promote collaboration among independent investigators who share resources and work toward a unified scientific goal. The NCI believes that integrated, synergistic research programs will accelerate advancements in cancer science more effectively than isolated individual projects. The research projects must be independent but interconnected, offering distinct advantages in achieving the overall research goals. The Administrative Core is required to manage the coordination and communication within the program, while optional Shared Resource Cores may be proposed to further support the research.

Applications can request an unlimited budget but must justify the actual needs of the project. The project period can last up to five years, contingent on scientific progress and available NIH appropriations. The grant accepts new, renewal, resubmission, and revision applications, and it allows for clinical trials. The number of awards will depend on the availability of funds and the merit of submitted proposals.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, and government organizations, with special encouragement for applications from underrepresented groups, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-serving institutions. Foreign institutions are not eligible to apply, but foreign components of U.S.-based organizations may be included.

Applications must adhere strictly to NIH guidelines, including completing all required registrations in the System for Award Management (SAM), Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Submissions should follow the SF424 (R&R) application process, and applicants are encouraged to submit early to resolve any potential issues. Applicants are also advised to submit a letter of intent 30 days prior to the application due date to help NCI estimate the review workload.

Key submission deadlines fall on May 25, September 25, and January 25 annually through 2025, with AIDS-specific due dates on May 7 each year. Applications will be reviewed for scientific and technical merit based on several criteria, including the significance of the research, innovation, approach, investigator expertise, and the environment in which the research will be conducted. Applicants requesting $500,000 or more in direct costs must contact NCI at least six weeks before submission.

This funding opportunity aims to foster robust and impactful cancer research that leads to significant advances in scientific knowledge and clinical practice, ultimately improving outcomes for cancer patients.