NCI Research Specialist (Clinician Scientist) Award (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Forecast
National Institutes of Health plans to offer grants to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. It expects to make about 18 awards. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around August 25, 2026, with applications due around November 2, 2026.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed May 6, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceilingnot stated
- Award floornot stated
- Expected awards18
- Total fundingnot stated
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Forecast posted | May 6, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Expected posting | August 25, 2026 |
| Expected deadline | November 2, 2026 |
| Expected award date | July 1, 2027 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses.
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Independent school districts
- Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Small businesses
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
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).
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) invites grant applications for the Research Specialist Award (R50) specifically for clinician scientists supporting NCI-funded clinical trials research. The Research Specialist 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 national 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 investigators of research project grants. These clinician scientists are vital to sustaining the NCI-funded clinical trials enterprise. The Research Specialist Award is intended to provide salary support and sufficient autonomy so that individuals are not solely dependent on NCI grants held by others or other sources of support for cancer research career continuity.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to Coordinating Center for Clinical Trials, National Cancer Institute (NCI), ncir50@mail.nih.gov, Please contact via email.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for NCI Research Specialist (Clinician Scientist) Award (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
National Institutes of Health accepts applications from nonprofits, colleges and universities, state and local governments, tribes, small businesses and businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for NCI Research Specialist (Clinician Scientist) Award (R50 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Expected deadline November 2, 2026. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
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