Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Human Cancers for Years 2027, 2028, and 2029 (P50 Clinical Trial Required)

The Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Human Cancers for Years 2027, 2028, and 2029 (P50 Clinical Trial Required), issued under opportunity number PAR-26-064, is a funding initiative from the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This program represents a re-issuance of PAR-23-284 and continues NIH’s longstanding commitment to advancing translational cancer research. The SPORE program specifically focuses on supporting investigator-initiated research projects aimed at bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical applications to improve prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers. The objective of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to provide support for P50 Research Center Grants dedicated to organ-specific cancers or groups of highly related cancers. The program allows for flexible scientific focus, including cancer types that share a common biological mechanism, are derived from a single organ system, or are associated with cross-cutting research themes such as pediatric cancers or epigenetics. Research supported must be translational in nature and derive directly from human biology, with approaches spanning cellular, molecular, structural, biochemical, and genetic studies. The overarching expectation is that SPORE projects achieve measurable translational outcomes within the project period. Applications funded under this opportunity must include a required clinical trial component, ensuring that funded projects move beyond preclinical exploration toward tangible human endpoints. The program is expected to distribute approximately twelve awards, drawing from an estimated total program funding pool of $25,000,000. While the precise ceiling and floor for individual awards are not specified in the forecast, applicants can expect significant levels of support appropriate for multi-project research centers. Cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. Eligible applicants include a wide range of institutions and organizations, both public and private. These include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, local and state governments, Native American tribal organizations, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, and small businesses. Additional eligible entities include U.S. territories or possessions, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, and foreign institutions. This broad eligibility reflects NIH’s commitment to fostering diverse participation in translational cancer research. The estimated timeline for this program begins with a forecasted post date of October 31, 2025, followed by an application due date of January 25, 2027. Awards are anticipated to be announced by June 4, 2027, with funded projects beginning on June 11, 2027. As of the forecast release date of September 9, 2025, the opportunity is not yet accepting applications, but potential applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance. No pre-application deadlines such as letters of intent are specified in the forecasted notice. Applicants seeking further information are directed to the program contact: Bradley T. Scroggins at the Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute. He can be reached by phone at 240-276-7860. At this stage, no email contact has been provided. The forecasted nature of this opportunity indicates that final application instructions, including details on review criteria and submission requirements, will be provided closer to the post date.