RFA-CA-24-017: Innovative Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research – NIH Announces Funding

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has introduced a new funding opportunity, designated RFA-CA-24-017, titled “Early-Stage Development of Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research and Management.” This discretionary grant, which falls under the categories of Education and Health, focuses on the advancement of informatics technologies in the context of cancer research and management. With an award ceiling of $300,000, this funding opportunity is designed to spur innovation and development in the field of cancer informatics, particularly in the early stages of technology development.

The goal of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to foster the advancement of cancer model systems that accurately replicate human immunity within the tumor microenvironment, thereby improving the predictability of immuno-oncology studies. This initiative emphasizes the development of models using human cells or tissues to regenerate or recapitulate the human immune system in both in vivo and in vitro immuno-oncology models. The focus on human-centric models marks a significant shift from traditional murine models, potentially leading to more accurate and clinically relevant research outcomes in cancer treatment and prevention. Eligibility for this grant is broad, encompassing various types of organizations and institutions, from government bodies and educational institutions to nonprofits and small businesses, including diverse entities like Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Hispanic-serving Institutions, HBCUs, and more. This wide-ranging inclusion ensures that a diverse array of research groups can contribute to and benefit from this initiative, ultimately driving forward the fight against cancer through innovative technological advancements.