Innovative Research in Cancer Nanotechnology (IRCN; R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 23 246

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the IRCN (PAR-23-246) funding opportunity?

The Innovative Research in Cancer Nanotechnology (IRCN; R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) opportunity (PAR-23-246) is a National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH funding program that supports transformative, fundamental research at the intersection of cancer biology/oncology and nanotechnology.

What is the main purpose of this grant program?

The core purpose is to advance mechanistically driven, foundational cancer nanotechnology research that addresses major, well-recognized barriers in cancer research using nanomaterials or nano-devices. The emphasis is on understanding how and why the approach works in biological systems, not just showing that it works.

What kind of research is NCI looking for under this NOFO?

NCI is looking for studies that go beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations of a nanoparticle or device. Projects are expected to explain underlying nano-bio interactions, including how the nanotechnology platform interacts with cells, tissues, and relevant biological environments in cancer-relevant contexts.

What does “mechanistic understanding” mean in the context of this opportunity?

Within this opportunity, mechanistic understanding refers to investigating the biological and physical interactions that drive performance, such as how a nanomaterial or nano-device behaves in a biological environment, what barriers affect it, how it localizes, and what processes influence targeting, delivery, detection, or diagnostic function.

Does this opportunity support clinical translation or product development?

No. The opportunity is explicitly not intended to support clinical translation at this stage. It is positioned as preclinical and mechanistic rather than translational or late-stage product-focused.

Are clinical trials allowed under this funding opportunity?

No. Clinical trials are not allowed under this NOFO (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed). Moving an intervention into clinical testing is outside the scope.

What are the two main research settings highlighted in the NOFO?

The NOFO highlights two primary settings: (1) in vivo research focused on delivering nanoparticles and/or nano-devices to intended cancer targets, and (2) in vitro characterization of detection and diagnostic nano-devices.

What types of in vivo topics fit this opportunity?

In vivo topics include mechanistic studies of delivery and localization to cancer targets, such as how biological barriers, the tumor microenvironment, transport processes, and immune interactions influence nanoparticle or nano-device delivery and distribution.

What types of in vitro topics fit this opportunity?

In vitro topics include characterization of nano-devices for detection and diagnosis in controlled systems, with emphasis on understanding performance and biological interfacing. Examples mentioned include sensitivity, specificity, performance behavior, and how devices interact with relevant biological environments under controlled conditions.

Is the work expected to be cancer-relevant even if it is fundamental and mechanistic?

Yes. The work should be grounded in realistic contexts for cancer targeting, delivery, detection, or diagnosis, while remaining preclinical and mechanistic rather than moving toward clinical testing.

What is the expected outcome or impact of funded projects?

The expected outcome is new foundational knowledge that makes future nanotechnology-based cancer interventions more rational and better informed, particularly by clarifying nano-bio interactions and mechanistic drivers of performance.

What grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?

This opportunity uses the NIH R01 research project grant mechanism.

Which NIH institute is associated with this NOFO?

The opportunity is offered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), within the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

What is the listed maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The listed award ceiling for this opportunity is $475,000.

What CFDA numbers are associated with this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is linked to CFDA numbers 93.394 and 93.395.

When was this opportunity created, and what is the original closing date?

The opportunity was created on 2023-07-20, and the original closing date provided is 2026-05-04.

Who is eligible to apply as the applicant organization?

Eligibility is broad across U.S.-based organization types and includes: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; federally recognized tribal governments; and tribal organizations other than federally recognized tribal governments.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. For-profit organizations (other than small businesses) are eligible, and small businesses are also eligible.

Are minority-serving institutions and other special categories explicitly included?

Yes. The NOFO calls out additional eligible applicant categories including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, AANAPISIs, Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and U.S. territories or possessions.

Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?

Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are included among the additional eligible applicant categories listed in the NOFO.

Are federal agencies eligible to apply?

Yes. Eligible federal agencies are included among the additional eligible applicant categories listed in the NOFO.

Can a non-U.S. (foreign) organization apply as the applicant?

No. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations and foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.

Can a U.S. organization’s non-domestic component apply?

No. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.

Are any types of foreign involvement allowed at all?

Yes. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed. This means a U.S. applicant may be able to include certain foreign collaborations or activities as part of the project when they meet NIH policy requirements, even though a foreign organization cannot be the applicant.

How should an applicant think about “delivery, targeting, detection, or diagnosis” within the scope?

These areas should be approached as mechanistic, preclinical research contexts. The program supports research that explains the underlying interactions and barriers affecting delivery/targeting in vivo, or the performance and biological interfacing of detection/diagnostic nano-devices in vitro, without advancing into clinical testing.

What is the best overall summary of what this program funds?

This program funds high-impact, mechanistically rigorous cancer nanotechnology research that advances fundamental understanding of nano-bio interactions relevant to delivery, targeting, detection, and diagnostic applications, using the R01 mechanism, while deliberately excluding clinical trials and clinical translation efforts.