Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 12 135
Apply for PA 12 135
- The National Institutes of Health in the education health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Translational Research at the Aging/Cancer Interface (TRACI) (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.393 Cancer Cause and Prevention Research 93.394 Cancer Detection and Diagnosis Research 93.395 Cancer Treatment Research 93.396 Cancer Biology Research 93.399 Cancer Control 93.866 Aging Research.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 21, 2012 and posted on Mar 21, 2012.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 7, 2015. (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: County governments For profit organizations other than small businesses Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Special district governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Independent school districts Small businesses Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification) Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education City or township governments State governments.
- Other Eligible Applicants include the following Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government Faith based or Community based Organizations Hispanic serving Institutions Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Indian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized) Regional Organizations Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) U.S. Territory or Possession Non domestic (non U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are eligible to apply. Non domestic (non U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply. Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Translational Research at the Aging/Cancer Interface (TRACI) (R21) funding opportunity (PA 12-135) was a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program designed to push forward translational research at the intersection of human aging and cancer. Its core purpose was to support projects that connect basic laboratory discoveries with clinical realities in older adults, and also to bring clinical observations from older cancer patients back into the lab to drive new mechanistic insights. In practice, the FOA emphasized both "bench to bedside" and "bedside to bench" approaches, with the expectation that supported work would lead to tangible improvements in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and overall management of cancer in older populations.
A central theme of TRACI was improving the health and well-being of elderly people who are at risk for cancer or already diagnosed with cancer. The announcement framed this goal not only in terms of cancer outcomes, but also in terms of aging-related consequences that matter heavily for older adults, such as functional decline, disability, treatment toxicity, and morbidity. In other words, the program was looking for research that could realistically reduce the functional impairment that often accompanies cancer and cancer care in later life, helping older patients maintain independence and quality of life while still addressing the malignancy effectively.
This opportunity used the NIH R21 activity code, which is typically intended for exploratory or early-stage translational studies that can generate strong proof-of-concept data, clarify feasibility, or open up promising new directions that might later be expanded in larger grants. The listed award ceiling was $200,000, indicating that projects were expected to be focused and well-scoped, with clear translational relevance rather than broad, multi-aim programs requiring large budgets.
From a topic standpoint, the FOA sat across multiple cancer and aging research domains reflected in the CFDA listings: cancer cause and prevention (93.393), detection and diagnosis (93.394), treatment (93.395), biology (93.396), and control (93.399), along with aging research (93.866). That spread signals that NIH was open to a range of translational questions, as long as the work meaningfully addressed the aging-cancer overlap. Examples consistent with the intent could include studies linking age-related biological changes to tumor behavior or treatment response, developing or validating interventions that reduce toxicity in older adults, identifying biomarkers that predict vulnerability or resilience in older patients, or integrating geriatric-relevant clinical measures into cancer research to better tailor care. The key through-line is that the work needed to inform real clinical decision-making and outcomes for older adults, not just advance cancer biology in isolation.
Eligibility for TRACI was broad. It included many types of U.S. domestic organizations such as state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) in certain cases), public housing authorities, independent school districts, small businesses, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses. It also explicitly included a range of mission-focused institutions and community-anchored entities, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, faith-based and community-based organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. Importantly, foreign institutions and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations were eligible, and foreign components were allowed as defined by NIH policy, which is relevant for teams needing international cohorts, specialized expertise, or unique data resources.
There was no cost sharing or matching requirement, which generally lowers barriers to participation and allows applicants to focus on scientific and translational merit rather than securing non-federal matching funds. Administratively, this FOA was posted on March 21, 2012, and it had an original and current closing date of May 7, 2015, with an archive date of June 7, 2015, meaning it is no longer active but remains a useful reference point for understanding NIH priorities at the aging-cancer interface and for modeling future applications to similar NIH programs.
For applicants at the time, the practical takeaway was that NIH wanted tightly designed translational R21 projects that unify aging science and oncology in ways that matter for older adults. Competitive proposals would likely have demonstrated a clear pathway from mechanistic insight to clinical application (or from clinical observation back to mechanistic testing), used endpoints meaningful to geriatric oncology (function, frailty, tolerance, recovery, morbidity), and built a credible plan for how the findings could ultimately reduce impairment and improve outcomes for older cancer patients. The official announcement was available through the NIH grants guide page referenced in the FOA, and technical issues accessing the posting were directed to the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contact listed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): TRACI (R21) - Translational Research at the Aging/Cancer Interface (PA 12-135)
1) What is the TRACI (R21) funding opportunity?
TRACI (Translational Research at the Aging/Cancer Interface) (R21) under PA 12-135 was a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program focused on translational research where human aging and cancer intersect. The intent was to move research findings between the laboratory and the clinic in ways that are directly relevant to older adults at risk for cancer or living with cancer.
2) What was the main purpose of TRACI?
The program aimed to support translational projects that connect basic biological discoveries to clinical realities in older adults, and also use observations from older cancer patients to generate new mechanistic insights in the lab. The overall goal was to produce work that could lead to real improvements in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancer in older populations.
3) What did NIH mean by "bench to bedside" and "bedside to bench" in this FOA?
"Bench to bedside" referred to translating laboratory discoveries (for example, age-related biological changes) into clinical applications that help older adults with cancer. "Bedside to bench" referred to using clinical observations from older cancer patients (such as patterns of toxicity or functional decline) to drive laboratory studies that uncover mechanisms and point toward new interventions.
4) Who was the population focus of this opportunity?
The focus was on elderly people who are at risk for cancer or already diagnosed with cancer, with particular emphasis on outcomes and consequences that are especially important in later life.
5) What types of outcomes did TRACI emphasize for older adults?
In addition to cancer outcomes, TRACI emphasized aging-relevant consequences such as functional decline, disability, treatment toxicity, and morbidity. The program highlighted the importance of research that could reduce functional impairment and help older patients maintain independence and quality of life while receiving effective cancer care.
6) What is the NIH R21 activity code and why did it matter for this FOA?
This opportunity used the NIH R21 mechanism, which is typically intended for exploratory and early-stage translational studies. In practice, that means projects were expected to be focused and designed to generate proof-of-concept evidence, demonstrate feasibility, or open up promising new directions that could later be scaled or expanded.
7) What was the award ceiling for TRACI (R21)?
The listed award ceiling was $200,000. This reinforced the expectation that projects should be tightly scoped, with clear translational relevance and a realistic plan for what could be achieved within a limited budget.
8) What research areas and topics fit within TRACI?
The FOA spanned multiple cancer and aging domains. It aligned with cancer cause and prevention, detection and diagnosis, treatment, biology, and control, as well as aging research. A key requirement was that the work meaningfully addressed the aging-cancer overlap and informed clinical decision-making and outcomes for older adults.
9) What were examples of studies that were consistent with TRACI's intent?
Examples consistent with the stated intent included:
- Linking age-related biological changes to tumor behavior or treatment response
- Developing or validating interventions to reduce treatment toxicity in older adults
- Identifying biomarkers that predict vulnerability or resilience in older cancer patients
- Integrating geriatric-relevant clinical measures (such as function, frailty, tolerance, and recovery) into cancer research to better tailor care
10) Was TRACI limited to cancer biology research only?
No. The through-line described in the opportunity was that the work needed to have translational relevance to older adults. The emphasis was on improving clinical decision-making and outcomes in geriatric oncology, not advancing cancer biology in isolation.
11) What types of organizations were eligible to apply?
Eligibility was broad and included many types of U.S. domestic organizations, such as state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) entities), public housing authorities, independent school districts, small businesses, and for-profit organizations other than small businesses.
12) Did TRACI explicitly include mission-focused or community-anchored institutions?
Yes. The eligible organization list explicitly included institutions and organizations such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions.
13) Were foreign institutions eligible under TRACI?
Yes. Foreign institutions and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations were eligible, and foreign components were allowed as defined by NIH policy. This could support projects requiring international cohorts, specialized expertise, or unique data resources.
14) Was cost sharing or matching required?
No. The FOA stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.
15) When was the TRACI FOA posted and when did it close?
The FOA was posted on March 21, 2012. The original and current closing date listed was May 7, 2015, and the archive date was June 7, 2015.
16) Is this funding opportunity still active?
No. Based on the closing and archive dates provided, this FOA is no longer active. It remains useful as a reference point for NIH priorities and for modeling future applications to similar programs at the aging-cancer interface.
17) What would NIH likely have viewed as a competitive TRACI-style proposal?
Competitive projects were expected to be tightly designed translational R21 studies that clearly unify aging science and oncology. The FOA emphasized credible pathways from mechanistic insight to clinical application (or from clinical observation back to mechanistic testing), along with endpoints meaningful in geriatric oncology such as function, frailty, tolerance, recovery, and morbidity, with the ultimate aim of reducing impairment and improving outcomes for older cancer patients.
18) Which CFDA program areas did TRACI relate to?
The FOA referenced multiple CFDA listings across cancer and aging research, including cancer cause and prevention (93.393), detection and diagnosis (93.394), treatment (93.395), biology (93.396), and control (93.399), as well as aging research (93.866).
19) Where was the official TRACI announcement hosted?
The official announcement was available through the NIH grants guide page referenced in the FOA.
20) Who was applicants directed to contact for technical issues accessing the posting?
For technical issues accessing the FOA posting, the FOA directed users to the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster contact listed in the announcement.
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Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PA 12 135) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Translational Research at the Aging/Cancer Interface (TRACI) (R01) Apply for PA 12 136 Funding Number: PA 12 136 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Early Detection and Prevention of Mild Cognitive Impairment (R01) Apply for RFA NR 12 010 Funding Number: RFA NR 12 010 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| Strategic Alliances for Medications Development to Treat Substance Use Disorders (R01) Apply for PAS 12 122 Funding Number: PAS 12 122 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Technology Based Interventions to Promote Engagement in Care and Treatment Adherence for Substance Abusing Populations with HIV (R01) Apply for PA 12 117 Funding Number: PA 12 117 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Technology Based Interventions to Promote Engagement in Care and Treatment Adherence and For Substance Abusing Populations with HIV (R34) Apply for PA 12 118 Funding Number: PA 12 118 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| NCI Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Program (NCI Omnibus R21) Apply for PAR 12 145 Funding Number: PAR 12 145 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NCI Small Grants Program for Cancer Research (NCI Omnibus R03) Apply for PAR 12 144 Funding Number: PAR 12 144 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanisms of Alcohol associated Cancers (R01) Apply for PA 12 146 Funding Number: PA 12 146 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanisms of Alcohol associated Cancers (R21) Apply for PA 12 147 Funding Number: PA 12 147 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Senior Scientist Research Award (K05) Apply for PA 12 048 Funding Number: PA 12 048 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| A Data Resource for Analyzing Blood and Marrow Transplants (Limited Competition U24) Apply for RFA CA 12 503 Funding Number: RFA CA 12 503 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cancer Target Discovery and Development (CTDD) Network (U01) Apply for RFA CA 12 006 Funding Number: RFA CA 12 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| U.S. China Program for Biomedical Collaborative Research (R01) Apply for RFA AI 12 021 Funding Number: RFA AI 12 021 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NLM Administrative Supplements for Informationist Services in NIH funded Research Projects (Admin Supp) Apply for PA 12 158 Funding Number: PA 12 158 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Senior Scientist Research Award (K05) Apply for PA 12 148 Funding Number: PA 12 148 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Basic Research on HIV Persistence (R21) Apply for PA 12 162 Funding Number: PA 12 162 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Basic Research on HIV Persistence (R01) Apply for PA 12 161 Funding Number: PA 12 161 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research (U01) Apply for RFA HG 12 009 Funding Number: RFA HG 12 009 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Pilot and Feasibility Studies in Preparation for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Trials (R34) Apply for PA 12 171 Funding Number: PA 12 171 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $225,000 |
| Pre Application for the FY13 NIDA Avant Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research (X02) Apply for PAR 12 164 Funding Number: PAR 12 164 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
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