Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium: Management and Data Coordination Unit (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for research institutions and medical centers to manage and coordinate pancreatic cancer detection research. Applicants must be legal entities capable of administering federal funds. Universities, medical schools, hospitals, and 501(c)(3) research organizations are typical recipients. The grant supports collaborative research networks focused on pancreatic cancer detection and diagnosis. Clinical trial activity is not permitted under this funding mechanism. Projects must have strong scientific merit and institutional research capacity.
Institutions must have appropriate infrastructure for data management and coordination. Principal investigators should have relevant expertise in oncology, epidemiology, or cancer research. The consortium model requires demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-site research activities.
Key dates
- Feb 11, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 1, 2026 Application deadline in 18 days
- Dec 1, 2026 Award announced
- Dec 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is soliciting applications for the establishment of the Management and Data Coordination Unit (MDCU), one of the two scientific components of the Pancreatic Cancer Detection Consortium (PCDC). The PCDC will continue to address one of the four research priorities identified in the National Cancer Institute’s 2014 Scientific Framework for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and conduct research on early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and characterization of its precursor lesions to identify those patients who are at high risk of progression to cancer. The PCDC-MDCU will provide support toward collaborative efforts such as: study design, protocol development, statistical analysis, coordination and data management. Other PCDC-MDCU activities include: coordination and support toward biorepository building; and organizational and logistics support for PCDC activities.
The other scientific component of the PCDC will be the Research Units. The PCDC-RUs will conduct research for the development and testing of new molecular and imaging biomarkers for early detection of PDAC and/or for identifying those patients at high risk of PDAC (because of genetic factors and/or family history or presence of precursor lesions) who could be candidates for early intervention.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Research Strategy
- Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Data Management Plan
- Letters of Support from Consortium Members
- Institutional Capacity Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 DCP CBB
- 📧 ncipcdc@nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.394 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$67,679,289
-
$42,479,238
-
$38,139,324
-
$37,524,148
-
$36,939,788
-
$35,037,695
-
$30,393,940
-
$30,179,102
-
$18,143,614
-
$16,667,828
Top States by Funding
- PA 9 awards $127.6M
- WA 6 awards $109.7M
- CA 11 awards $101.7M
- TX 8 awards $91.8M
- OH 5 awards $73.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.394). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $540,918,671 | |
| 2025 | $602,293,691 | |
| 2026 est. | $716,748,079 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Research institutions, universities, medical centers, and 501(c)(3) organizations with research capability. Applicants must be legal entities able to administer federal funds.
What activities are supported?
Data management, coordination, and oversight of pancreatic cancer detection research. Clinical trials are not supported under this mechanism.
What makes a competitive application?
Strong scientific approach, experienced leadership team, robust data management infrastructure, and clear coordination plan. Multi-site collaboration capacity strengthens competitiveness.
Are there restrictions on this funding?
Clinical trial activities are explicitly not allowed. Focus must remain on detection research and consortium coordination.
How much funding is available?
U24 grants typically support multi-year research coordination with annual budgets varying by scope. Contact NIH program officer for specific budget guidelines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Lead with a clear management and coordination plan that shows how you'll serve the consortium. Emphasize communication systems, data protocols, and timeline clarity.
- Highlight your institution's track record managing multi-site research networks. Include examples of successful coordination efforts.
- Develop a comprehensive data management strategy that addresses security, standardization, and accessibility. Show how you'll support consortium member institutions.
- Identify and secure letters of commitment from key consortium partners early. Their buy-in strengthens your application significantly.
- Budget generously for staffing and technology infrastructure. Reviewers expect adequate resources for true coordination leadership.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating coordination complexity and staffing needs. Weak or vague consortium governance structure and communication plans. Proposing clinical trial activities, which violate funding restrictions.
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