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Scientific Discoveries Research

Anticipated

Anticipated Open Date: January 2026

View RFP (Past Cycle)* Application Materials and Addenda (Past Cycle)*

*Documents are from a previous cycle and may be updated before the next round opens.

Program Overview Application Materials and Addenda (Past Cycle)

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Program Overview

This Scientific Discoveries Research grant opportunity seeks to support innovative and meritorious cancer researchers, at all levels, and teams pursuing scientific discoveries and breakthrough ideas in the fight against cancer. This opportunity will not only catalyze the next breakthroughs in cancer research, but for some may help bridge between early discoveries and commercialization of therapeutics, devices, and tools to lessen the burden of cancer.

Lab technician doctor analyzing virus evolution looking on digital tablet

This funding opportunity seeks to support the next generation of breakthroughs in cancer research that aims to significantly advance one or more of the following:

Improve cancer prevention and early detection (e.g., novel screening methods, risk reduction strategies);
Address cancer diagnosis and treatment (e.g., development of more precise diagnostics, effective therapies, personalized medicine approaches); or
Improve patient outcomes and quality of life (e.g., treatment efficacy, including reduced side effects, enhanced patient well-being).

woman-with-skin-cancer-talking-with-her-doctor

Proposed Scientific Discoveries Research projects may be seeking to develop knowledge of basic principles or mechanisms related to cancer, validating potential applications of novel interventions or a novel approach with an established intervention, or developing technologies/therapies or demonstrating its proof-of-concept or feasibility. Projects best supported by this funding opportunity would be in the basic research, discovery, or validation phase rather than in the implementation phase. By contrast, translation of a therapeutic, diagnostic tool, or intervention to the clinic may be better suited to other opportunities, such as the Implementation and Outcomes Research RFP. Projects supported by this Scientific Discoveries Research opportunity may be high risk but must have the potential for high impact breakthroughs in cancer research and care that will extend understanding or uncover new pathways beyond the span of the project.

Population-based projects that will contribute to the understanding of how biological, behavioral, environmental, social, and structural factors affect cancer-related health; or contribute to the understanding of how addressing social determinants of health (or health-related social needs) impact cancer care and outcomes are eligible and encouraged. A hypothesis must be proposed and explored by specific research aims. Therefore, proposals aimed solely to collect data to document health and cancer disparities in populations or solely provide or expand services are NOT eligible.

CARE Fund encourages research projects that aim to address issues across the cancer care continuum, from etiology to survivorship, that have high potential to ultimately advance cancer care, lessen the burden of cancer, and improve health outcomes.