The National Cancer Institute (NCI) intends to issue a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Research Specialist Award (R50) specifically for clinician scientists supporting NCI-funded clinical trials research. The Research Specialists Award is designed to encourage the development of stable research career opportunities for exceptional clinician scientists who want to continue to participate in the NCI clinical trials networks through leadership in the 1) development of clinical trials, 2) implementation of NCI clinical trials in their institutions, and 3) national service to the NCI clinical trials networks through participation in the scientific review committees, monitoring committees and other activities, but not serve as principal investigator of research project grants. This Notice of Intent to Publish is being provided to allow sufficient time for applicants to develop strong applications. Applications are limited to four per institution per receipt date including new (A0) and resubmissions (A1). NCI-designated cancer center consortia are considered one institution. NCI seeks a broad representation of institutions for this award mechanism and may take this into account when making funding decisions. The NOFO is expected to be published in late summer 2024 with only one expected application due date of November 5, 2024.
