December 5, 2023
May 07, 2020 - NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). See NOFO PA-20-195.
May 07, 2020 - NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required). See NOFO PA-20-196.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Through this Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) on Exploratory Cancer Immunology Projects and Technologies (ExCITe), the National Cancer Institute intends to encourage R21 applications proposing innovative high-risk/high-reward research projects, that test novel hypotheses or develop novel technologies, to advance our understanding of cancer immunology. Research projects should focus on fundamental areas of cancer immunology, including innate and adaptive immune responses, tumor-immune ecosystems and their dynamic interactions, the immune response to metastases, systemic immune networks, immunosurveillance, tumor immune evasion, or immunomodulation. Projects should be distinct in scope and focus from those supported through the traditional R01 mechanism. ExCITe studies may involve considerable risk but have the potential to lead to research breakthroughs or the development of novel techniques, agents, methodologies, models, or applications that could have a major impact in cancer immunology and cancer immunotherapy research.
Background
The field of cancer immunology aims to decipher the intricate nature of molecular and cellular interactions that orchestrate the cancer-immune ecosystem across the continuum of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Although various immunotherapy approaches have revolutionized cancer treatment, there is a critical need to better understand and overcome important hurdles that have limited long-term outcomes to a few cancer types and subsets of patients. Through the ExCITe NOSI, the NCI aims to promote and support bold research ideas and novel technologies that could ignite new paradigms in cancer immunology and lead to improved and more widely available immunotherapy approaches for cancer patients.
Research Objectives
R21 applications submitted through the ExCITe NOSI should propose innovative high-risk/high-reward research projects, that test novel hypotheses or develop novel technologies, to advance our understanding of cancer immunology. Applicants should propose research studies to address fundamental aspects in the field of tumor immunology and/or innovative ways to enhance anti-cancer immunity. Innovative approaches that target both primary tumor and metastases are encouraged. Establishing new or improved in vivo/in vitro models to study the dynamics of tumor-immune ecosystems are also encouraged.
Examples of projects NOT responsive to this NOSI:
- New biomarkers for screening or diagnostic tools, such as imaging techniques; cancer preventive agents or approaches; predictive and prognostic biomarkers for patient selection or stratification; new treatment strategies involving repurposed agents or novel combinations of interventions (including radiation) based on established mechanisms of action.
- Studies that promote mechanistic research aimed at better understanding the pathophysiology of immune-related adverse events (irAEs).
- Studies that use multidisciplinary approaches to develop bioengineering solutions in cancer.
While above-mentioned studies are not responsive to this NOSI, interested applicants may apply on the three research areas using PAR-20-292, NOT-CA-22-063, and PAR-22-091 respectively.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their applications with Scientific/Research contact listed below prior to submission to help assess whether their application is responsive to this NOSI.
Application and Submission Information
This notice applies to due dates on or after February 16, 2024 and subsequent receipt dates through November 17, 2026.
Submit applications for this initiative using one of the following notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) or any reissues of these announcements through the expiration date of this notice.
Activity Code | NOFO Title | First Available Due Date |
| PA-20-195 | NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | February 16, 2024 |
| PA-20-196 | NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (Parent R21 Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) | February 16, 2024 |
All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the notice of funding opportunity used for submission must be followed, with the following additions:
- For funding consideration, applicants must include “NOT-CA-24-016” (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.
Although NCI is not listed as a Participating Organization in all the NOFOs listed above, applications for this initiative will be accepted.
Applications nonresponsive to terms of this NOSI will be withdrawn from consideration for this initiative.
Please direct all inquiries to the contacts in Section VII of the listed notice of funding opportunity with the following additions/substitutions:
Scientific/Research Contact(s)
Monica Zamisch, Ph.D.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Telephone: 240-706-4417
Email: monica.zamisch@nih.gov
Financial/Grants Management Contact(s)
Crystal Wolfrey
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Telephone: 240-276-6277
Email: wolfreyc@mail.nih.gov
and Human Services (HHS)
