Perception and Cognition Research to Inform Cancer Image Interpretation (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 18 641

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 641

The Perception and Cognition Research to Inform Cancer Image Interpretation (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number PAR-18-641) is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant program designed to support early-stage, exploratory research on how people actually see, interpret, and decide when reading cancer-related images. The central aim is to understand the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms that drive performance by image observers in radiology and pathology, and to use that knowledge to improve the accuracy, reliability, and overall quality of cancer detection and diagnosis. In practical terms, this program is looking for research that digs into why interpretation errors happen, how expertise develops, what kinds of visual or decision-making biases occur, and what measurable human factors influence real-world diagnostic performance when clinicians evaluate imaging and pathology materials.

The FOA uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is typically intended for innovative, high-risk/high-reward projects that generate foundational insights, pilot data, or proof-of-concept findings rather than large, definitive clinical studies. It is labeled “Clinical Trial Optional,” meaning applicants may propose studies that do or do not meet NIH’s definition of a clinical trial, depending on the research design and whether human participants are prospectively assigned to interventions. The emphasis, however, remains on perception and cognition research relevant to cancer image interpretation, especially work that could ultimately translate into better training, workflow, display methods, decision support, or evaluation strategies that reduce missed cancers and incorrect diagnoses.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and governmental units, such as state, county, and local governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and special district governments. It also includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, and Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments. Both nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status) and for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) can apply, as can small businesses. In addition, the announcement explicitly highlights other eligible applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions; Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI); Hispanic-serving Institutions; Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs); faith-based or community-based organizations; eligible federal agencies; regional organizations; U.S. territories or possessions; and even non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations), reflecting an intent to encourage a wide range of perspectives and research settings.

From the published opportunity data, the award ceiling is listed as $200,000, and the program is associated with CFDA numbers 93.286, 93.394, and 93.395, which correspond to NIH/NCI-related assistance listings. The opportunity was created on February 7, 2018, and an original closing date is shown as September 26, 2019. Overall, the grant is aimed at pushing the field beyond purely technical imaging advances by funding research that explains and improves the human side of image interpretation, with the long-term goal of reducing diagnostic errors and improving outcomes in cancer care.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Perception and Cognition Research to Inform Cancer Image Interpretation (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.286, 93.394, 93.395.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-02-07.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-09-26. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: 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.

Apply for PAR 18 641

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