The National Cancer Institute (NCI), along with other NIH components, invites applications for the Secondary Analysis and Integration of Existing Data to Elucidate Cancer Risk and Related Outcomes program under the R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant mechanism. This initiative aims to leverage existing datasets to address key scientific questions in cancer research, including risk prediction, prevention, and survivorship. Researchers are encouraged to conduct innovative secondary analyses that utilize diverse data sources, explore novel methods, or integrate multiple datasets to enhance our understanding of cancer and related conditions.

The program supports exploratory projects with budgets up to $275,000 in direct costs over two years, with no more than $200,000 allocated in any single year. Applications must demonstrate the potential to advance knowledge in areas such as cancer etiology, behavioral health, healthcare delivery, genomic and molecular data integration, and addressing health disparities. Up to 10% of the project budget may be used for generating new data specifically for validating findings. Projects focused solely on data maintenance or primary data collection will be considered non-responsive.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, government entities, and foreign organizations. Collaboration is encouraged, particularly with investigators holding access to relevant datasets. Examples of data sources include public repositories like dbGaP, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and the SEER Program. Applicants should address how their findings could influence future studies, particularly in populations underrepresented in cancer research.

Proposals must adhere to NIH’s data sharing policies, including submitting a Data Management and Sharing Plan. Awardees are expected to make harmonized datasets, analytical tools, and documentation available to the research community, consistent with participant consent. Applications should emphasize the significance, innovation, and feasibility of the proposed research, along with a thorough description of the datasets and methods to be used.

The application deadlines align with NIH standard submission dates, beginning February 16, 2025. Projects will undergo peer review, with funding decisions based on scientific merit, alignment with program priorities, and availability of funds. Applicants are encouraged to consult NIH program officers for guidance before submission to ensure alignment with program goals.

This program provides an opportunity for investigators to make impactful contributions to cancer research through cost-effective use of existing data resources, paving the way for future experimental and clinical advancements.