The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has reissued the R21 grant opportunity titled “Basic Research in Cancer Health Disparities.” This funding opportunity, aimed at researchers investigating biological and genetic contributors to cancer health disparities, supports exploratory, developmental studies that delve into the mechanisms underlying these disparities. Specifically, this opportunity targets studies focused on biologically based disparities in cancer incidence, progression, and outcomes across racial and ethnic groups disproportionately affected by cancer. This award seeks projects that could generate insights and tools, such as biospecimens and patient-derived models, to support larger-scale, mechanistic cancer health disparities research projects in the future.

This initiative prioritizes basic research projects that explore racial and ethnic differences in cancer biology and risk, including factors such as genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, immune response variations, and differences in the tumor microenvironment. Projects of interest include those analyzing genetic factors influencing cancer susceptibility, differences in early cancer onset, stress effects on progression, and the biological impact of environmental and social stressors on gene expression. Studies using biospecimens and data from diverse racial and ethnic groups, especially comparative research designs between populations, are encouraged to maximize relevance to health disparities. This NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) does not include clinical trials and is limited to projects that contribute to fundamental knowledge rather than direct clinical applications.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based higher education institutions, nonprofits, local and state governments, Native American tribal entities, and certain foreign entities. Investigators from underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Required application steps include active registration with various systems (SAM, NCAGE for non-U.S. organizations, UEI, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov). Each applicant institution may submit multiple distinct proposals, provided each project is scientifically unique.

The R21 award offers up to $275,000 in direct costs over a two-year project period, with a maximum of $200,000 in any given year. These projects are expected to be innovative, high-risk, and have the potential to significantly impact cancer health disparities research. Proposed studies must not be duplicates or overlap with existing projects, and applications must adhere strictly to NIH submission guidelines, particularly regarding required data-sharing and human subjects' protection plans. Applications will undergo NIH peer review based on criteria including significance, innovation, and potential impact, with special attention to projects’ abilities to elucidate biological mechanisms tied to cancer disparities.

Key application dates for this funding cycle include an earliest submission date of September 16, 2024, and a final application deadline of October 16, 2024, at 5:00 PM local time. Following submission, applications will go through scientific merit review in March 2025, with advisory council review in May 2025. Award decisions are expected to be announced as early as July 2025. Applicants should use NIH ASSIST or Grants.gov to submit their applications and ensure all necessary registrations are completed well ahead of time to avoid delays.

For guidance and inquiries regarding the scientific or application process, applicants may contact NCI officials, including Dr. Anu Sharman, Dr. Tiffany Wallace, and Dr. Asad Umar.