Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN) Centers (U54 Clinical Trial Required)

Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) intends to continue to support the Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN) with applications from both new and renewing investigators. This network model will sustain an agile and effective national radiation oncology infrastructure that collectively addresses critical hypothesis-based translational research on the biological basis of responses in cancer patients who undergo radiation treatments. ROBIN supports a collaborative national research network focused on understanding how tumors and normal tissues change biologically during radiation therapy. Because radiation can dynamically alter molecular targets over the course of treatment, the network seeks to generate foundational knowledge that can improve radiation-based cancer care and identify new opportunities for combining radiation with drugs and other therapies. Through multidisciplinary, longitudinal studies, ROBIN centers collect and analyze biospecimens and multimodal data before, during, and after standard-of-care radiation therapy. This work is designed to reveal mechanisms of response, resistance, and toxicity; identify new therapy-induced targets; and determine whether treatment strategies based on initial tumor profiling remain optimal as therapy progresses. The network also strengthens the radiation oncology workforce by integrating expertise in biology, clinical oncology, imaging, dosimetry, omics, biospecimen science, and data science. By sustaining this research infrastructure, NIH aims to accelerate translational discoveries that can inform future clinical trials and improve outcomes for people with cancer.

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations;Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions).

The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; 2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific...

The major elements in evaluating applications include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the...