The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for the Network Group Integrated Translational Science Centers within the National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). This funding opportunity, identified as RFA-CA-24-035, aims to support centers that will integrate translational science expertise into NCTN clinical trials, facilitating leadership and providing pilot projects to gather preliminary data. The initiative focuses on incorporating advanced translational research, such as genomic, molecular, and immunotherapy studies, into NCTN’s multi-center, late-phase clinical trials, including rare cancer trials and studies involving special populations. These centers are key to translating laboratory discoveries into clinically relevant findings, supporting the network’s mission of precision medicine.

The NCI anticipates allocating $2 million in fiscal year 2026 to fund between two and three awards, with each center receiving up to $850,000 in direct costs annually. The maximum project duration is six years. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, state and local governments, and other public and private organizations within the U.S. Foreign organizations are not eligible. Applicants are required to have or obtain the necessary registrations with SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons prior to submission, as these processes may take several weeks. Applications should adhere to NIH's "How to Apply - Application Guide," with any deviations specified in this funding announcement.

Each center will be required to include two functional components: (1) an Integrated Translational Science Program that establishes approaches for translational science integration into NCTN trials and enhances involvement of translational science experts in NCTN initiatives, and (2) a Pilot Studies and Collaborative Projects component to support preliminary research that informs larger studies and fosters partnerships with other NCI-supported programs. The proposal should outline the team’s governance and expertise, collaboration strategies, conflict resolution plans, and the use of institutional and external resources for translational research.

Applications are due by February 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, with the earliest start date projected for December 2025. A letter of intent is encouraged by January 24, 2025, to help NCI plan for review logistics, though it is not required. Proposals will be evaluated on the scientific merit and the potential impact of the proposed translational science initiatives on NCTN’s clinical research goals. Review criteria include significance, investigator qualifications, innovation, approach, and the research environment, with a focus on the applicant’s translational science strategy and pilot project planning.

Post-award, the NCI will collaborate closely with awardees, facilitating programmatic involvement in managing translational science components and coordinating with other NCI-sponsored programs. The NIH will conduct annual progress reviews, and compliance with federal regulations is mandatory. Recipients are expected to submit annual Research Performance Progress Reports and adhere to the NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy. For additional information or application assistance, applicants are directed to NIH's eRA Service Desk, the designated program officers, or the financial management contacts listed in the NOFO.