Impacts of climate change across the cancer control continuum (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 23 152

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 23 152

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is offering a discretionary grant funding opportunity titled "Impacts of climate change across the cancer control continuum (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" under Funding Opportunity Number PAR-23-152. This announcement supports research focused on understanding how climate change is affecting cancer control across the full continuum, which typically includes cancer prevention, risk reduction, screening and early detection, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, health services, and end-of-life care. The "R21" mechanism is commonly used for exploratory or developmental research projects, meaning the program is well-suited for early-stage studies, proof-of-concept work, and projects designed to generate preliminary data that can support larger future efforts. The "Clinical Trial Optional" component indicates that applicants may propose a clinical trial if it is appropriate to their research aims, but a clinical trial is not required.

At its core, the opportunity is aimed at building evidence on the ways climate-related hazards and environmental shifts could influence cancer risk and outcomes, disrupt care delivery, and widen existing inequities. This could include, for example, how extreme heat, wildfires and smoke exposure, drought, flooding, hurricanes, and other severe weather events alter exposure patterns to carcinogens or impact access to screening and treatment services. It may also include research on how climate change affects healthcare systems and infrastructure relevant to cancer care, such as clinic closures during disasters, supply chain interruptions for oncology drugs, transportation barriers for patients, or shifts in population displacement that change where and how people receive care. While the source text references "R01" in the description, the listed title clearly indicates the R21 opportunity; applicants should rely on the official FOA details for the correct activity code and requirements.

The program is broadly open to a wide range of applicant organizations, reflecting an intent to support diverse research settings and partnerships. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments, special district governments, and independent school districts, as well as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. It also includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized), public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities, and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments. Nonprofit organizations are eligible whether or not they have 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education), and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses may also apply. In addition, the announcement explicitly highlights other 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 non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This breadth suggests NCI is encouraging work that is grounded in real-world community contexts, including populations that may be disproportionately affected by both climate stressors and cancer disparities.

Key administrative details from the source data include a CFDA (assistance listing) number of 93.396 and an award ceiling listed at $275,000. The opportunity was created on 2023-03-30, and the original closing date is 2026-05-07. The expected number of awards is not specified in the provided data. Overall, this FOA is positioned for investigators and institutions looking to launch innovative, potentially high-impact exploratory studies that clarify the links between climate change and cancer control and that can inform future interventions, health system planning, and policies aimed at protecting cancer patients and reducing climate-related cancer inequities.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Impacts of climate change across the cancer control continuum (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.396.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-03-30.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-05-07. (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 $275,000.00 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.

Apply for PAR 23 152

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