Research Answers to NCIs Pediatric Provocative Questions (R21) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Research Answers to NCI's Pediatric Provocative Questions (R21)" opportunity?

It is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) funding opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-16-217) that supports early-stage, exploratory pediatric cancer research designed to answer a defined set of NCI-identified Pediatric Provocative Questions (Pediatric PQs). The intent is to stimulate innovative, non-routine work that tackles under-studied but potentially high-impact scientific problems and paradoxes in childhood cancer research.

Who is the sponsoring agency?

The opportunity is issued by HHS-NIH, with the agency component listed as HHS-NIH11, and it is associated with the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

What does "Pediatric Provocative Questions" mean in this program?

Pediatric Provocative Questions (Pediatric PQs) are a specific set of well-defined questions framed by NCI to highlight areas in pediatric oncology where progress has been limited, where the field may be stuck, or where contradictory observations have not been adequately explained. They are intentionally written as questions to encourage creative thinking and direct focus toward the core scientific challenge embedded in each question.

Do the Pediatric PQs represent everything NCI considers important in pediatric oncology?

No. The announcement makes clear that the Pediatric PQs are not meant to cover the full scope of NCI priorities in pediatric oncology. They represent selected areas where additional attention is needed because progress has lagged or paradoxes persist.

What kind of projects are a good fit for this FOA?

This FOA is designed for projects that propose sound, innovative strategies to generate new insights or breakthrough approaches rather than incremental advances. It is particularly suited to hypothesis-generating research or work that tests novel concepts, methods, or models aimed at explaining puzzling patterns in childhood cancers or why certain approaches have not translated as effectively in pediatric settings.

How tightly does my application need to align with the Pediatric PQs?

Applicants are expected to align proposals tightly to one or more of the named Pediatric PQs and explain how the proposed approach will directly address the core scientific challenge posed by the question.

What is the NIH activity code used for this funding opportunity?

This FOA uses the NIH R21 activity code, which is generally intended to support exploratory and developmental research projects that may be higher risk but potentially high reward.

What does an R21 mechanism imply about project stage and evidence?

Based on the description provided, the R21 structure and intent are consistent with prioritizing innovative ideas and early evidence, supporting pilot work, proof-of-concept studies, feasibility testing, or the development of new research directions that could later mature into larger programs.

What is the maximum award amount for this opportunity?

The listed award ceiling is $200,000, indicating a relatively focused budget that is commonly associated with exploratory or pilot-scale work under the R21 mechanism.

Is the number of awards known?

The provided information does not specify the expected number of awards.

What are the main research themes this FOA is trying to promote?

The FOA aims to catalyze focused advances in childhood cancer research by encouraging investigators to address under-studied, high-impact questions, resolve persistent paradoxes, and generate new knowledge or breakthrough approaches where prior progress has been limited.

Which types of applicants are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. The provided information lists the following as eligible applicants: state governments; county governments; city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses; and an "Others" category with additional clarification referenced in the full text.

Are tribal entities eligible?

Yes. The eligible applicant types include both federally recognized Native American tribal governments and tribal organizations that are not federally recognized tribal governments.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligible applicant types include for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and also small businesses.

Are nonprofit organizations eligible?

Yes. The eligible applicant types include nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education) and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education).

Are government entities eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligible applicant types include state, county, city or township governments, special district governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.

Which broad activity areas does this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity falls under the broader activity areas of education and health, as listed in the provided information.

What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA numbers: 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, and 93.399.

What do multiple CFDA numbers indicate here?

Based on the provided description, the multiple CFDA numbers reflect that NCI funding can be tracked under several related federal assistance listings.

What are the key dates for this opportunity?

The posting and creation dates in the provided record are April 27, 2016. The original and current closing date shown in the provided record is November 24, 2017.

Is this a permanently open funding opportunity?

No. The provided information indicates a time-limited or cycle-specific solicitation, with a closing date of November 24, 2017.

What is the core purpose of PAR-16-217 in plain terms?

In plain terms, PAR-16-217 is meant to fund focused, innovative pediatric cancer research projects that directly answer specific NCI-identified questions, especially where the science has been slow to advance or where puzzling contradictions remain unresolved.