Funding Overview



The Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies (IMAT) Program, which is aimed at the development and integration of novel and emerging technologies in the support of cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment, encompasses an array of closely related Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs).

Funding opportunities for the IMAT program have been issued with the following due dates: April 1 and October 1, 2024. Contact Kelly Crotty with questions about the new opportunities: kelly.crotty@nih.gov.

On January 25th, 2022, IMAT program staff held a pre-application webinar to introduce the R61 grant mechanism and answer questions about the scientific scope and application details for these funding opportunities. You can click here to view the webinar slides. A recording of the webinar is available to be viewed through vbrick.

Matrix of IMAT RFAs and Outline of their Characteristics

Mechanism

Theme

Budget Cap

Molecular/Cellular Analysis

Cancer-relevant Biospecimen Science

R61

Exploratory-pilota

$150,000/year
up to 3 years

RFA-CA-24-008 RFA-CA-24-010
 

R33

Advanced Developmentb

$300,000/year
up to 3 years

RFA-CA-24-009 RFA-CA-24-011
 

R01
U01
P50
P30

Integration & Validation

$150,000/year
up to 2 years (cannot go past end of parent grant)

RFA-CA-24-012
RFA-CA-24-013
RFA-CA-24-014
RFA-CA-24-015


aWhile no preliminary data are necessary, the applicants must demonstrate the innovative nature of the particular technology and/or approach proposed for development.

bDetailed preliminary data must be provided in support of the feasibility of the technology or approach that is proposed for development. Such data may reflect successful completion of a previous R21 grant and associated performance measures.

Visit the Areas of Targeted Need page for information on NCI Notices of Special Interest that apply to the IMAT funding opportunities.

The individual IMAT Requests for Applications (RFAs) utilize the following mechanisms to support this research:

  1. R61 – Conduct highly innovative, exploratory research with substantial allowance for risk towards demonstration of technical feasibility.
  2. R33 – Conduct advanced development and technical validation of a technology/application for which proof of concept has been achieved. 
  3. Revisions (to R01, U01, P50, and P30 awards) – Facilitate independent validation and acceleration of ongoing basic and clinical research through collaborations involving the integration of emerging IMAT-supported technologies.

All IMAT Research Project Grants (RPGs) are open to investigators from both academia and industry, and applications representing multiple principal investigators are welcome.

Please note that for comprehensive information on all the submission requirements (including page limits and special sections), set-aside funds for each NOFO, and the anticipated number of awards, it is absolutely essential that every applicant read the selected individual IMAT NOFO page before preparing and submitting an application in response to the selected NOFO. Quantitative performance measures for each specific aim must be provided as a way of determining whether an applicant has successfully reached the specified goal during the technology development project and at its completion. Performance measures should be clearly stated as numerical specifications (i.e. quanitative) for relevant measures/properties. Please note that all IMAT applications must be submitted electronically using Standard Form 424.

Note on Other Related Programs: Researchers who emphasize the assessment of in vivo imaging technologies as the primary focus of their grant applications should contact the Cancer Imaging Program for information on appropriate funding opportunities. Researchers focusing on applying new bioinformatics or statistical techniques as the primary focus of their applications should consider one of the Informatics Technologies for Cancer Research (ITCR) opportunities.