Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 020
The NCI Clinical and Translational Exploratory/Developmental Studies funding opportunity (R21 Clinical Trial Optional), listed as PAR-18-020, is a National Institutes of Health grant announcement designed to spark early-stage, high-impact cancer research that is not yet ready for larger, more confirmatory funding mechanisms. The central idea is to support exploratory and developmental projects that can quickly test new concepts in cancer diagnosis, treatment, imaging, symptom and toxicity management, and prevention. Because it uses the NIH R21 mechanism, the program is specifically aimed at early and conceptual work where feasibility is still being established, preliminary data may be limited, and the scientific approach may carry meaningful risk. In exchange for that risk, the program prioritizes the possibility of major advances, including breakthroughs that could reshape an area of cancer research or unlock new directions for clinical translation.
A key emphasis of the announcement is on research that connects tightly to clinical development and real-world clinical questions. Supported studies can include correlative science tied to clinical trials, such as biomarker work, response prediction, pharmacodynamic assessments, or investigations into mechanisms of resistance and toxicity. The scope also covers innovative preclinical studies that are strongly clinically relevant, including the development or application of new disease models and imaging technologies that better reflect human cancer biology. The announcement explicitly encourages projects that could create a pathway toward first-in-human clinical trials, whether by generating enabling data for a novel therapeutic or preventive agent, clarifying a mechanism-driven combination strategy, advancing radiotherapy development concepts, or improving how symptoms and treatment-related toxicities are prevented, detected, or managed.
The opportunity is described as "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose projects that include a clinical trial, but a clinical trial is not required. This flexibility allows investigators to propose either translational laboratory and preclinical packages that prepare for trials, or carefully designed early clinical studies when appropriate, while still fitting within the exploratory intent of an R21. Overall, the program is structured to help researchers move an idea from hypothesis to early evidence, validate a new method or technology, or demonstrate enough proof-of-concept to justify larger-scale funding or subsequent clinical testing.
In terms of funding details provided in the source information, the award ceiling is listed as $200,000. The activity categories are identified under Education and Health, and the relevant CFDA numbers include 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, and 93.399, which correspond to NIH/NCI program areas. The agency is the National Institutes of Health, and the funding instrument type is a grant under a discretionary opportunity category. The original closing date shown in the source data is 2019-03-22, and the creation date is 2017-11-17, indicating this is a specific published cycle of the broader R21 program announcement.
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (outside of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities. The announcement also highlights additional eligible applicant categories such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs). It further notes eligibility for faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), underscoring NCI's interest in drawing innovative, clinically relevant ideas from a wide range of institutional settings.
Taken together, this FOA is best understood as an NCI-backed entry point for bold, translational cancer research ideas that need targeted support to establish feasibility, develop tools or models, generate early clinical or preclinical evidence, and position a concept for the next step in the development pipeline, including eventual first-in-human testing when justified by the resulting data.Apply for PAR 18 020
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NCI Clinical and Translational Exploratory/Developmental Studies (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.399.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-11-17.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-03-22. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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FAQs: NCI Clinical and Translational Exploratory/Developmental Studies (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) - PAR-18-020
What is PAR-18-020?
PAR-18-020 is a National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity that uses the NIH R21 mechanism to support exploratory and developmental cancer research studies. It is intended for early-stage, high-impact ideas that are not yet ready for larger, more confirmatory funding mechanisms.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The purpose is to spark early-stage, potentially high-impact cancer research by supporting projects that can quickly test new concepts, generate early evidence, establish feasibility, or produce proof-of-concept data that can justify the next step in development (including larger-scale funding or later clinical testing).
What kinds of research does this opportunity aim to support?
The opportunity supports exploratory and developmental research tied to clinical development and real-world clinical questions. Examples mentioned include work in cancer diagnosis, treatment, imaging, symptom and toxicity management, and prevention, especially where an early study could unlock a new clinical direction.
Why does the announcement emphasize "exploratory" and "developmental" studies?
Because the R21 mechanism is designed for early and conceptual work where feasibility is still being established, preliminary data may be limited, and the approach may carry meaningful scientific risk. In exchange, the program prioritizes the possibility of major advances or breakthroughs.
How "clinically connected" does a project need to be?
A key emphasis is on tight connection to clinical development and real-world clinical questions. The description highlights translational relevance, including studies that inform clinical trials, clarify resistance or toxicity mechanisms, support biomarker strategies, or advance technologies and models that better reflect human cancer biology.
Are clinical trials required under this opportunity?
No. The opportunity is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may include a clinical trial, but a clinical trial is not required.
What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean for applicants?
It means applicants can propose either (1) translational laboratory and preclinical work that prepares for trials, or (2) carefully designed early clinical studies when appropriate, as long as the project fits the exploratory intent of an R21.
What types of trial-related or correlative studies are in scope?
The description explicitly includes correlative science tied to clinical trials, such as biomarker work, response prediction, pharmacodynamic assessments, and investigations into mechanisms of resistance and toxicity.
Does the opportunity support preclinical research?
Yes. It covers innovative preclinical studies that are strongly clinically relevant, including the development or application of new disease models and imaging technologies that better reflect human cancer biology.
Does the FOA encourage projects that could lead to first-in-human trials?
Yes. The announcement encourages projects that could create a pathway toward first-in-human clinical trials, such as generating enabling data for a novel therapeutic or preventive agent, clarifying a mechanism-driven combination strategy, advancing radiotherapy development concepts, or improving approaches to preventing, detecting, or managing symptoms and treatment-related toxicities.
What is the funding mechanism used by this opportunity?
The funding mechanism is the NIH R21 (exploratory/developmental) grant mechanism.
What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?
The award ceiling listed in the provided information is $200,000.
What agency is offering this grant?
The agency is the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
What are the activity categories associated with this opportunity?
The activity categories are identified as Education and Health.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this funding opportunity?
The CFDA numbers listed are 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, and 93.399.
What type of funding instrument is this?
The funding instrument type is a grant, and it is described as a discretionary opportunity category.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations other than federally recognized governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (outside of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other entities.
Are minority-serving institutions specifically mentioned as eligible?
Yes. The announcement highlights eligibility for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs).
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are specifically noted as eligible in the provided information.
Can federal agencies apply?
Yes. Eligible federal agencies are included among the eligible applicant categories listed.
Are organizations in U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are explicitly included in the eligible applicant categories.
Are non-U.S. (foreign) organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The provided information notes that non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) are eligible.
What is the closing date shown for this opportunity?
The original closing date shown in the source data is 2019-03-22.
What is the creation date shown for this opportunity?
The creation date shown in the source data is 2017-11-17.
Is this opportunity best suited for large, confirmatory studies?
No. Based on the description, it is intended for early-stage, exploratory work where feasibility is still being established and where the goal is to generate early evidence or proof-of-concept to enable a next step, rather than to fund large confirmatory research.
What outcomes is this program trying to enable?
The program is structured to help researchers move an idea from hypothesis to early evidence, validate a new method or technology, develop tools or models, and demonstrate enough proof-of-concept to justify larger-scale funding or subsequent clinical testing, including eventual first-in-human testing when supported by resulting data.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| NIDA Research Education Program for Clinical Researchers and Clinicians (R25 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 083 Funding Number: PAR 18 083 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Target Assessment, Engagement and Data Replicability to Improve Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcomes (R33 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 085 Funding Number: PAR 18 085 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Development and Application of PET and SPECT Imaging Ligands as Biomarkers for Drug Discovery and for Pathophysiological Studies of CNS Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 227 Funding Number: PAR 18 227 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01) Apply for PAR 18 365 Funding Number: PAR 18 365 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Target Assessment, Engagement and Data Replicability to Improve Substance Use Disorders Treatment Outcomes (R21/R33 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 086 Funding Number: PAR 18 086 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01) Apply for PAR 18 364 Funding Number: PAR 18 364 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Transition Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K22 - No Clinical Trials) Apply for PAR 18 366 Funding Number: PAR 18 366 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 021 Funding Number: PAR 18 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 230 Funding Number: PAR 18 230 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Transition Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K22 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 367 Funding Number: PAR 18 367 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Strategic Alliances for Medications Development to Treat Substance Use Disorders (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 218 Funding Number: PAR 18 218 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Grand Opportunity in Medications Development for Substance-Use Disorders (U01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 219 Funding Number: PAR 18 219 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Independent Scientist Award (Parent K02 - Independent Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 370 Funding Number: PA 18 370 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) for the Treatment of Mental or Substance Use Disorders or Alcohol Addiction (U19 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 231 Funding Number: PAR 18 231 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| A Family-Centered Self-Management of Chronic Conditions (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 383 Funding Number: PA 18 383 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Population Health Interventions: Integrating Individual and Group Level Evidence (R21)- Clinical Trials Not Allowed Apply for PA 18 406 Funding Number: PA 18 406 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Methodology and Measurement in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R21) Clinical Trials Optional Apply for PAR 18 378 Funding Number: PAR 18 378 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| mHealth Tools for Individuals with Chronic Conditions to Promote Effective Patient-Provider Communication, Adherence to Treatment and Self-Management (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 389 Funding Number: PA 18 389 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| mHealth Tools for Individuals with Chronic Conditions to Promote Effective Patient-Provider Communication, Adherence to Treatment and Self-Management (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 386 Funding Number: PA 18 386 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Population Health Interventions: Integrating Individual and Group Level Evidence (R01) - Clinical Trial Optional Apply for PA 18 385 Funding Number: PA 18 385 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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