Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for Paul Calabresi Career Development Award for Clinical Oncology (K12 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Paul Calabresi Career Development Award for Clinical Oncology (K12 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is administered by the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the National Cancer Institute. This program is designed to strengthen the national workforce of clinician-scientists engaged in clinical and translational cancer research. It reflects a long-standing federal commitment to advancing oncology research by investing in structured career development programs that prepare early-career clinicians for independent research careers. The initiative is part of a broader NIH effort to enhance cancer research manpower under Assistance Listing 93.398. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to increase the number and quality of clinician-scientists trained in clinical oncology research. The program supports institutions in developing comprehensive career development programs that provide mentored research experiences to scholars. While the funding does not allow scholars to independently lead clinical trials, it explicitly permits participation in clinical trials led by experienced mentors or co-mentors. This ensures that participants gain practical exposure to clinical research environments while maintaining appropriate oversight and guidance. Funding is provided through a grant mechanism to eligible institutions, which then administer the program to selected scholars. Although specific award amounts and total program funding are not detailed in the available synopsis, the structure typically supports multiple trainees through salary support, research development costs, and program administration. The absence of a cost-sharing or matching requirement reduces financial barriers for applicant institutions and aligns with federal efforts to promote equitable access to research funding opportunities. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes a wide range of U.S.-based entities such as state and local governments, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit organizations including small businesses. However, foreign organizations and non-domestic components of U.S. entities are not eligible to apply, although foreign components within otherwise eligible U.S. organizations may be permitted under NIH policy. Additional eligibility criteria are detailed in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity and must be carefully reviewed by applicants. The application process is conducted through standard federal grant submission systems, typically requiring institutional registration and submission via Grants.gov. Applicants must prepare detailed proposals outlining their career development program structure, mentoring plans, research training components, and evaluation strategies. The review process emphasizes the quality of the training environment, the qualifications of program leadership, and the potential for scholars to develop into independent investigators. Applications are evaluated through NIH peer review processes consistent with federal research funding standards. The funding opportunity was posted on June 3, 2026, and has a final application deadline of March 12, 2029. This extended window suggests multiple receipt dates or cycles within the overall period, although specific recurring deadlines are not detailed in the synopsis. Applicants are encouraged to consult the full announcement for detailed timelines, including any internal institutional deadlines or NIH review cycles. Award notifications and project start dates typically follow NIH standard review and funding timelines. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the National Cancer Institute’s Center for Cancer Training via the provided program email address. This centralized contact supports inquiries related to eligibility, application requirements, and technical access issues. Overall, the program represents a significant federal investment in developing the next generation of oncology researchers through structured, mentored training programs.