Innovative Biospecimen Science Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is soliciting grant applications for exploratory research projects focused on the early-stage development of highly innovative technologies to improve the quality and handling of samples used for cancer research or clinical care. The goal is to support the development of highly innovative technologies capable of maximizing or otherwise interrogating the quality and utility of biological samples used for downstream analyses. This includes tools with new capabilities to preserve or protect sample integrity, establish verification criteria for quality assessment/quality control, and address issues related to pre-analytical degradation of target analytes. Some key aspects of the project include: • Developing tools, devices, instrumentation, and associated methods for the collection, handling, processing, preservation, or storage of cancer-relevant biospecimens and their derivatives. • Creating technologies to accelerate and/or enhance research in cancer biology, early detection and screening, clinical diagnosis, treatment, or epidemiology. • Addressing issues associated with cancer health disparities. • Proposing exploratory research projects with a focus on the early-stage development of highly innovative technologies.