National Institutes of Health logo
NIH Specialized Center (P50)

Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) in Human Cancers for Years 2027, 2028, and 2029

Funds translational cancer research programmes — several linked projects on one organ-specific cancer or a related group — reaching a human endpoint.

Between cyclesNational Institutes of HealthGlobal

Basic cancer biology and an actual improvement in prevention, detection or treatment are two different things, and a lot of promising science never crosses that gap.

SPORE funds a translational research programme built around one organ-specific cancer, or a small group of highly related cancers. A related group can share an organ system — gastrointestinal, neuroendocrine, head and neck and others

State-of-the-art, investigator-initiated translational research programmes on an organ-specific cancer or a highly related group of cancers, sharing an organ system, a common biological mechanism, or a cross-cutting theme such as paediatric cancer or epigenetics, using cellular, molecular, structural, biochemical or genetic methods and aimed at a translational human endpoint within the project period. A clinical trial is required.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.25 Jan 2027
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$25M

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Sign up free to see how to apply

Sign up free to see what you submit

Sign up free to see how they score you

Sign up free to see the timeline

Sign up free to see where teams trip up

Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-26-064Source: www.grants.gov