Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 278
The Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Courses for Skills Development (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity administered through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that focuses on strengthening cancer-related research education. It uses the NIH Research Education Program (R25) mechanism to support structured educational activities that help build and improve the national workforce needed for biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. The central idea is not to fund research projects themselves, but to fund high-quality education and training experiences that complement existing training pipelines and fill skills gaps in the cancer research ecosystem.
This particular announcement emphasizes "Courses for Skills Development" as the primary supported activity. In practice, that means applicants are expected to design and deliver course-based, curriculum-driven programs that teach practical, modern, and relevant research skills. The opportunity encourages creative, state-of-the-art educational approaches, which can include innovative course formats, updated content aligned with current scientific advances, and training methods that measurably improve participant competence. The subject matter must clearly connect to cancer, including areas such as cancer causes and mechanisms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation after cancer, and the ongoing care of cancer patients and their families. The intent is to grow a workforce that is better prepared to address real-world cancer challenges by learning the tools, concepts, and methods that current research demands.
A key restriction is embedded in the title: "Clinical Trial Not Allowed." This means the grant is not intended to support clinical trials or clinical trial-related conduct as part of the proposed activities. The program is education-centered, so proposed work should stay focused on training and skills development rather than testing interventions in human participants as a trial.
Eligibility is broad and spans many organization types, reflecting the goal of expanding access and building capacity across different settings. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and other unspecified entities that meet NIH requirements. The announcement also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and even non-U.S. (foreign) organizations. This breadth signals an emphasis on reaching diverse communities and leveraging many kinds of institutions to deliver cancer research skills training.
Administratively, this is a discretionary grant opportunity in the education and health category, listed under CFDA number 93.398. The funding opportunity number is PAR-21-278, and the opportunity was created on 2021-08-26, with an original closing date shown as 2023-09-29. The listed award ceiling is $300,000. The provided source text does not specify the expected number of awards, but it does make clear that the program is designed to support educational course offerings rather than research studies.
Overall, this grant opportunity is best understood as support for organizations that want to build or modernize cancer-focused research education through skill-based courses. Competitive applications are likely to be those that present a clear educational need, a strong and current curriculum tied to cancer research priorities, and an effective plan for delivering training that strengthens the competence of the biomedical and clinical research workforce, while staying firmly within the education mission and avoiding clinical trial activities.Apply for PAR 21 278
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Courses for Skills Development (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.398.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2021-08-26.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-09-29. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $300,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Courses for Skills Development (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity administered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that supports structured cancer-related research education. It uses the NIH Research Education Program (R25) mechanism to fund course-based skills development programs that strengthen the workforce needed for biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research. The emphasis is on education and training, not on conducting research projects.
What does the R25 mechanism support in this announcement?
In this announcement, the R25 mechanism supports structured educational activities, specifically "Courses for Skills Development." Applicants are expected to design and deliver curriculum-driven courses that teach practical, modern research skills relevant to cancer research and the broader research workforce.
Is this grant meant to fund research projects?
No. The central purpose is to fund high-quality education and training experiences that complement existing training pipelines and address skills gaps in the cancer research ecosystem. The focus is on developing and delivering courses and educational programming, rather than funding research studies.
What kinds of activities are emphasized under "Courses for Skills Development"?
The program emphasizes course-based, curriculum-driven education designed to teach practical and current research skills. It encourages creative, state-of-the-art educational approaches, which may include innovative course formats, updated content aligned with scientific advances, and training methods that can measurably improve participant competence.
What subject areas must the proposed courses cover?
The subject matter must clearly connect to cancer. Examples of relevant areas include cancer causes and mechanisms, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation after cancer, and the ongoing care of cancer patients and their families. The key requirement is that the curriculum is clearly tied to cancer-related research education and skills development.
Why does the opportunity emphasize workforce development?
The intent is to strengthen and expand the national workforce needed for biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research by improving skills and competence through structured education. The goal is to better prepare participants to address real-world cancer challenges using tools, concepts, and methods demanded by current research.
Are clinical trials allowed under this grant?
No. The title explicitly states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed." The grant is education-centered and is not intended to support clinical trials or clinical trial-related conduct as part of the proposed activities. Proposed work should remain focused on training and skills development rather than testing interventions in human participants as a trial.
Does "Clinical Trial Not Allowed" mean no work involving human participants can be included?
The information provided only specifies that clinical trials and clinical trial-related conduct are not allowed. It does not describe additional details about other types of human participant involvement. Based on the provided text, applicants should keep proposed activities focused on education and avoid clinical trial activities.
Who administers this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is administered through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is PAR-21-278.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 93.398.
What is the grant type and category?
It is described as a discretionary grant opportunity in the education and health category, using the NIH Research Education Program (R25) mechanism.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The listed award ceiling is $300,000.
How many awards will be made?
The provided source text does not specify the expected number of awards.
When was this opportunity created, and what is the listed closing date?
The opportunity was created on 2021-08-26. The original closing date shown is 2023-09-29.
What types of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include various government entities (state, county, city, township, special district), independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments. Additional eligible entities include public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education in those categories), for-profit organizations (other than small businesses), small businesses, and other entities that meet NIH requirements.
Are minority-serving institutions and community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The announcement explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). It also highlights faith-based or community-based organizations.
Are U.S. territories, federal agencies, regional organizations, and foreign organizations eligible?
Yes. The announcement explicitly mentions eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-U.S. (foreign) organizations as eligible.
What is the main purpose of funding under this opportunity?
The purpose is to support organizations that want to build, strengthen, or modernize cancer-focused research education through skill-based courses. The funded activities should complement existing training pipelines and address skills gaps in the cancer research ecosystem.
What kinds of application features are likely to be competitive based on the description provided?
Based on the provided description, competitive applications are likely to include a clear educational need, a strong and current curriculum tied to cancer research priorities, and an effective plan for delivering training that strengthens participant competence. Proposed activities should align with the education mission and avoid clinical trial activities.
Does the program encourage innovative teaching approaches?
Yes. The opportunity encourages creative, state-of-the-art educational approaches, including innovative course formats, updated content aligned with current scientific advances, and training methods designed to measurably improve participant competence.
What is the simplest way to describe what this grant funds?
It funds cancer-related research education delivered through structured, curriculum-based courses that build practical research skills, rather than funding research projects or clinical trials.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 21 278) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Cancer Research Education Grants Program - Research Experiences (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 279 Funding Number: PAR 21 279 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 295 Funding Number: PAR 21 295 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 296 Funding Number: PAR 21 296 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Translational and Basic Science Research in Early Lesions (TBEL) Coordinating and Data Management Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 21 055 Funding Number: RFA CA 21 055 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Translational and Basic Science Research in Early Lesions (TBEL) (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 21 054 Funding Number: RFA CA 21 054 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science Research Education Program (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 21 020 Funding Number: RFA CA 21 020 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| A Multilevel Approach to Connecting Underrepresented Populations to Clinical Trials (CUSP2CT U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 21 057 Funding Number: RFA CA 21 057 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $450,000 |
| NIDA Research Education Program for Clinical Researchers and Clinicians (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 320 Funding Number: PAR 21 320 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Data, Evaluation and Coordinating Center for: A Multilevel Approach to Connecting Underrepresented Populations to Clinical Trials (CUSP2CT) (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA CA 21 058 Funding Number: RFA CA 21 058 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Basic Research in Cancer Health Disparities (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 322 Funding Number: PAR 21 322 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Basic Research in Cancer Health Disparities (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 323 Funding Number: PAR 21 323 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Basic Research in Cancer Health Disparities (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 324 Funding Number: PAR 21 324 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Mechanism for Time-Sensitive Drug Abuse Research (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 22 027 Funding Number: PAR 22 027 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk after Bariatric Surgery (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 332 Funding Number: PAR 21 332 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk after Bariatric Surgery (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 331 Funding Number: PAR 21 331 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DA 22 040 Funding Number: RFA DA 22 040 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Pharmacodynamics (PD) of THC in Cannabis and Cannabis Products (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DA 22 028 Funding Number: RFA DA 22 028 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Pharmacokinetics (PK) and Pharmacodynamics (PD) of THC in Cannabis and Cannabis Products (R21 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA DA 22 039 Funding Number: RFA DA 22 039 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Utilizing the PLCO Biospecimens Resource to Bridge Gaps in Cancer Etiology and Early Detection Research (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 21 330 Funding Number: PAR 21 330 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NCI Transition Career Development Award to Promote Diversity (K22 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 21 302 Funding Number: PAR 21 302 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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