Forecast to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Early-Stage Development of Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research and Management (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions and researchers developing informatics technologies to support cancer research. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with capacity for research-driven software and tool development. Projects must address cancer research needs across discovery, clinical translation, population health, or health disparities. Applicants should have expertise in informatics and plans to engage end users throughout development.
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Key dates
- Jul 2, 2025 Applications open
- Nov 21, 2025 Application deadline
- Jul 1, 2026 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
The National Cancer Institute intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the development of enabling informatics technologies to improve the acquisition, management, analysis, and dissemination of data and knowledge across the cancer research continuum including cancer biology, cancer treatment and diagnosis, early cancer detection, risk assessment and prevention, cancer control and epidemiology, and/or cancer health disparities. As a component of the NCI’s Informatics Technology for Cancer Research (ITCR) Program, this NOFO will focus on early-stage development from prototyping to initial dissemination. Early-stage development is defined for the purpose of this NOFO as initial tool development or the significant modification of existing tools for new applications. The central mission of ITCR is to promote research-driven informatics technology across the development lifecycle to address priority needs in cancer research. In order to be successful, proposed development plans must have a clear rationale for why the proposed technology is needed and how it will benefit the cancer research field. In addition, mechanisms to solicit feedback from driving research projects and other users throughout the development process must be included.
This NOFO will encourage applications that involve the development of new, user-friendly informatics technologies that support a wide range of cancer research, including discovery biology, population studies, as well as clinical and translational research. The emphasis will be on uniqueness and potential impact on cancer research. In addition, all projects proposed in response to this NOFO must involve the following general attributes:
- Potential to advance driving cancer research projects and the cancer research field in general
- Novel informatics capabilities for the targeted cancer research domain
- Compelling plans and processes for engaging end users to evaluate and apply the tool or resource
- A realistic timeline and milestones for technology development
Applications are not being solicited at this time. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the U01 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into cancer informatics are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this NOFO.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative/Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographies of key personnel
- Letters of support from driving research projects/end users
- Letters of institutional commitment (as applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Juli Klemm, PhD National Cancer Institute
- 📧 juli.klemm@nih.gov
- 📞 202-853-7889
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.399 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$22,629,848
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$20,187,190
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$19,625,661
-
$19,227,026
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$18,138,327
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$17,827,646
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$17,614,587
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$16,535,118
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$16,126,587
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$14,347,054
Top States by Funding
- NY 7 awards $57.6M
- SC 3 awards $46.6M
- DE 3 awards $43.2M
- IL 3 awards $38.4M
- WI 3 awards $37.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations with cancer informatics expertise can apply. International organizations may be eligible depending on NIH policies for this mechanism.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline is November 21, 2025. This is a forecast notice; the formal NOFO will be published later with official submission details.
What types of projects are funded?
Early-stage informatics tool development and significant modification of existing tools for new cancer research applications. Projects must address cancer biology, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, epidemiology, or health disparities.
How important is user engagement to competitiveness?
Very important. Reviewers expect compelling plans to engage end-user researchers throughout development and clear mechanisms for soliciting feedback.
What is the funding range?
Specific award amounts are not yet announced. Check the formal NOFO when published for budget guidelines and typical award ranges.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building collaborations now with cancer researchers who will use your tool. Early engagement strengthens competitiveness.
- Clearly articulate why your informatics solution is needed and what gap it fills in cancer research.
- Develop a realistic development timeline with specific milestones for prototype, testing, and dissemination phases.
- Plan user-feedback mechanisms into your project design from day one, not as an afterthought.
- Review existing NCI informatics tools and resources to demonstrate how your project complements rather than duplicates current efforts.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lack of clear end-user engagement strategy or dismissing user feedback as optional. Vague or overstated claims about impact without demonstrating need. Unrealistic timelines that don't account for iterative development and user testing cycles.
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