Secondary Analysis and Integration of Existing Data to Elucidate the Genetic Architecture of Cancer Risk and Related Outcomes (R21) | PA 17 243

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 17 243

The NIH grant opportunity "Secondary Analysis and Integration of Existing Data to Elucidate the Genetic Architecture of Cancer Risk and Related Outcomes (R21)" (Funding Opportunity Number PA 17 243) supports short, exploratory research projects that use data that already exist rather than generating entirely new datasets. The central purpose is to accelerate progress in cancer epidemiology by funding teams that can reanalyze, combine, and integrate existing genetic or genomic datasets (and related database resources) to better understand how inherited genetic variation contributes to cancer risk and cancer-related outcomes. In practical terms, the FOA is aimed at extracting new scientific value from data that have already been collected, often at substantial prior cost, by applying innovative analytic strategies, asking new questions of old datasets, or merging multiple resources in ways that were not previously feasible.

A key theme of the announcement is data integration across domains. While the emphasis is on genetic and genomic information, applicants are explicitly encouraged to pair those data with other types of existing information such as environmental exposures, clinical outcomes, behavioral factors, lifestyle variables, and molecular profiling data. This reflects how cancer risk and progression are shaped by complex interactions, and it signals that proposals are welcome when they connect genetic architecture to real-world outcomes and contexts rather than treating genetics in isolation. The expectation is that projects will use creative secondary analyses to address important questions, for example by refining risk estimates, identifying genetic contributors across populations, exploring gene-environment interplay, improving understanding of cancer susceptibility or prognosis, or clarifying how genetic factors relate to intermediate phenotypes and downstream cancer-related endpoints.

The FOA is positioned to support research that is methodologically forward-looking as well as substantively impactful. It encourages applications that (1) introduce new research aims that can be answered using data already in hand, (2) apply new or advanced analytical methods to existing genetic or genomic data, and/or (3) assemble novel combinations of datasets to enable questions that could not be addressed within a single study. In other words, the competitive edge is expected to come from what the investigators can do with existing resources: better study design at the analysis stage, improved statistical genetics or computational approaches, thoughtful harmonization across datasets, and careful integration of diverse data types to illuminate cancer risk and related outcomes.

This is an R21 mechanism, which generally aligns with early-stage, exploratory, or proof-of-concept projects that can demonstrate feasibility and generate compelling findings or preliminary evidence for larger follow-on studies. The source information lists an award ceiling of $200,000. The funding instrument is a grant, categorized under health and education activities, and administered by the National Institutes of Health. The CFDA numbers associated with the opportunity are 93.121, 93.393, and 93.396, indicating alignment with NIH programs relevant to cancer and related biomedical research.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of institutions and organizations, reflecting NIH's intent to encourage participation across sectors and communities. Eligible applicants include state, county, city/township, and special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled universities; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education where specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also highlights additional eligible applicant categories, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), 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 non-U.S. (foreign) organizations. This breadth underscores an interest in enabling diverse teams to bring different datasets, perspectives, and population coverage to cancer genetic epidemiology.

Finally, the published record shows a creation date of 2017-03-30 and an original closing date of 2020-05-07, which is useful for historical context when assessing whether the specific announcement is currently active or whether a newer reissued FOA should be used. Conceptually, though, the scientific focus remains clear: projects should be driven by the reuse and integration of existing genetic/genomic and complementary data to answer meaningful questions about the genetic architecture of cancer risk and outcomes, using innovative analysis rather than new primary data collection.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Secondary Analysis and Integration of Existing Data to Elucidate the Genetic Architecture of Cancer Risk and Related Outcomes (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.121, 93.393, 93.396.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-03-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-05-07. (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 $200,000.00 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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