The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is interested in multilevel research that promotes geospatial approaches to advance cancer control and prevention research. Geospatial approaches include the use of location-based technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), other location-based technologies or may involve improved mapping techniques and applied spatial methodology. Multilevel research involves addressing two or more of the following levels: individual factors (e.g., environmental exposures, lifestyle behaviors); family, school, workplace, and community structure; natural, built, and social environments; and biology (e.g., biomarkers of effect, early damage, etc.). At least one of the levels must be spatially derived. This Notice was motivated by the conference held by NCI on geospatial approaches to cancer control and population sciences.

Background

Cancer incidence and mortality rates vary geographically in the United States and worldwide, reflecting potential strong environmental influences on outcomes across the cancer control continuum. Emergent technological capacity in GIS and mapping along with increasing sophistication in applied spatial methods have resulted in a growing research community developing and applying geospatial approaches in public health research. Through collaborative and transdisciplinary efforts, there is great potential to apply these emerging geospatial approaches to various aspects of cancer control and prevention to better help inform etiology, target interventions, and implement efficacious risk-reducing strategies.

Research Objectives

NCI is interested in research that integrates and analyzes geospatial data and/or spatial methodology across the cancer control continuum. All multilevel analyses must include broader social and/or built environmental factors measured at the geographic level and should examine how place and location interact with exposures and behaviors relevant to diverse aspects of cancer control and prevention. NCI is also interested in the discovery of mechanisms underlying the influence of contextual variables on cancer risk and outcomes. Studies utilizing conceptual or theoretical models of multilevel factors on cancer risk and outcomes are encouraged. Applicants are also encouraged to use existing data sources, including data linkages, but are not prohibited from collecting new data. NCI encourages collaborative research among transdisciplinary research teams that include (but are not limited to) epidemiologists, geographers, health services researchers, and/or behavioral and social scientists. NCI also strongly encourages data sharing and the integration of data resources.

This NOSI encourages research including, but not limited to, the following:

• The influence of contextual variables on biologic processes associated with the development of cancer and/or studies that examine the mechanisms by which contextual factors can become biologically embedded;

• Studies integrating geocoded and/or residential history data to understand and address the effects of social determinants of health on cancer outcomes and quality of cancer-related health services;

• Studies examining spatial, social, physical, and other place-based characteristics that influence adoption and implementation of cancer prevention policy and practices;

• Development and/or application of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) methods and algorithms at the population and individual level to mine novel sources of spatial big data, such as social media, electronic health records, satellite remote sensing, and personal sensors. Areas of GeoAI application may include modelling of environmental exposures, identifying social and behavioral determinants of cancer, capturing features of the built environment such as urban green space, streetscape, and natural environment that are relevant to cancer risk, healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes

Application and Submission Information

This NOSI applies to due dates on or after February 5, 2020, and subsequent receipt dates through January 8, 2022.

Submit applications for this initiative using one of the following funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) or any reissues of these FOAs through the expiration date of this Notice.

Activity Code	FOA	Application Due Date	Expiration Date
R01	PA-17-239, Secondary Analysis and Integration of Existing Data to Elucidate the Genetic Architecture of Cancer Risk and Related Outcomes (R01)	February 5, 2020	May 8, 2020
R21	PA-17-295, Integration of Individual Residential Histories into Cancer Research (R21)	February 16, 2020	September 8, 2020
R01	PA-19-056: NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)	February 5, 2020	January 8, 2022
R01	PAR-18-869: Modular R01s in Cancer Control and Population Sciences (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)	March 6, 2020	March 9, 2021
R21	PAR-19-277: Exploratory Grants in Cancer Epidemiology (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)	June 8, 2020	October 9, 2021

All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the funding opportunity announcement used for submission must be followed, with the following additions:

• For funding consideration, applicants must include NOT-CA-20-004 (without quotation marks) in the Agency Routing Identifier field (box 4B) of the SF424 R&R form. Applications without this information in box 4B will not be considered for this initiative.

Applications nonresponsive to terms of this NOSI will be not be considered for the NOSI initiative.

Please direct all inquiries to the contacts in Section VII of the listed funding opportunity announcements with the following additions/substitutions:

Scientific/Research Contact(s)

Cancer Epidemiology

Curt DellaValle, PhD, MPH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Telephone: (240) 276-7225
E-mail: [email protected]

Behavioral Research

David Berrigan, PhD, MPH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Telephone: 240-276-6752
Email:[email protected]

April Oh, PhD, MPH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Telephone: 240-276-6709
Email:[email protected]

Healthcare Delivery

Sallie Weaver, PhD, MHS
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Telephone: 240-276-6254
Email:[email protected]

Surveillance Research

Zaria Tatalovich, PhD
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Telephone: 240-276-6976
Email:[email protected]