EGRP News Flash - August 29, 2008
Small Grants Program for Cancer Epidemiology (R03) Re-Issued by NCI
The National Cancer Institute's Epidemiology and Genetics Research Program is pleased to announce the re-issuance of the Small Grants Program for Cancer Epidemiology funding opportunity announcement (FOA). This FOA encourages the submission of Small Research Grant (R03) applications for research on cancer etiology and epidemiology. The overarching goal of this FOA is to provide support for pilot projects, testing of new techniques, secondary analyses of existing data, development and validation of measurement methods, linkage of genetic polymorphisms with other variables related to cancer risk, and development of innovative projects for more comprehensive research in cancer etiology and epidemiology.
This FOA focuses on different types of projects including, but not limited to: (1) pilot and feasibility studies; (2) secondary analysis of existing data; (3) small, self-contained research projects; (4) development of research methodology; and (5) development of new research technology. The R03 mechanism is critical for collection of pilot data that can be used for larger grant applications such as the Research Project Grant Mechanism (R01). R01 studies in cancer epidemiology usually require large sample sizes, complex logistics, extensive fieldwork, acquisition of biospecimens, and, sometimes, the acquisition of sensitive information such as reproductive histories.
Specific topics of interest may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Methods and Technologies to address epidemiologic data collection, study design and analysis, and to modify technological approaches developed in the context of other research endeavors for use as biomarkers and methods to understand cancer susceptibility.
- Modifiable Risk Factors such as diet and nutrition, alcohol, physical activity and energy balance, tobacco, infectious diseases, physical and chemical agents, and medical exposures including medications and treatments.
- Host Susceptibility Factors such as genetic, epigenetic, immunological factors, hormonal pathways, and social, cultural, and race/ethnic factors.
- Clinical and Translational Epidemiology including clinical factors that influence development of cancer among persons with underlying diseases and conditions; the progression, recurrence, and mortality from cancer; and new primary cancers.
In addition, investigators are encouraged to propose epidemiologic studies using new approaches such as those involving use of circulating DNA, exfoliated cells, haplotype analysis, immunoassays, in silico assays, nanotechnology, micro RNA profiling, mass spectrometry, microsatellite assays, and proteomic arrays. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications to study cancer sites that have previously been traditionally understudied; these include cancers of the esophagus, endometrium, liver, hematopoietic system (especially multiple myeloma), pancreas, testes, and brain. Investigators are encouraged to validate measurements in body fluids and tissues of exogenous exposures associated with development of cancer using biospecimen repositories from some of the largest epidemiological cohorts supported by the EGRP.
A project period of up to two years and a budget for direct costs of up to two $25,000 modules, or $50,000 per year, may be requested (i.e., a maximum of $100,000 over two years in four modules of $25,000 each). Commensurate Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs are allowed.
The contact for inquiries is EGRP's Mukesh Verma, Ph.D., Chief, Methods and Technologies Branch, and Acting Chief, Host Susceptibility Factors Branch; e-mail: vermam@mail.nih.gov.
- Access the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: PAR-08-237 (R03)
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