The R21 and R61 mechanisms are meant to support research projects in which proof-of-principle has not yet been established. The aim of such an award is thus to acquire, through the completion of a series of quantitative performance measures, sufficient data to demonstrate proof of principle. IMAT R21s and R61s are intended to encourage new exploratory and pilot research projects. The technology proposed should be at the inception, conceptual stage and may involve considerable risk but could lead to a breakthrough in a particular area that could have a major impact on cancer research. IMAT replaced the R21 grant mechanism with the R61 to support early stage projects beginning in 2022. On January 25th, 2022, IMAT program staff held a pre-application webinar to introduce the R61 grant mechanism. A recording of the webinar is available to be viewed through vbrick. The IMAT R61 FOAs limit direct costs to $150,000 per year for up to 3 years.
The R33 mechanism is meant to support research projects that are more developmental in nature and should be predicated upon the establishment of proof-of-principle through prior research. An IMAT R33 project may or may not have been previously supported by an exploratory IMAT R21 or R61 grant. IMAT R33s are expected to generate sufficient data to fully validate the technology in a biologically relevant setting and demonstrate its full utility in addressing biological, translational, clinical, and/or epidemiological questions. The IMAT R33 FOAs limit direct costs to $300,000 per year for up to 3 years.
Specific requirements for each of these types of grants are outlined in the funding overview section of this website and in each of the relevant RFAs.