Welcome to the Translational Research Program (TRP)
The Translational Research Program (TRP) is committed to reducing cancer incidence and mortality and improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients. TRP uses advances in basic sciences to develop new approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer by fostering interdisciplinary investigations and coordinating the resources of NCI with those of academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations and foundations.
These objectives are accomplished by:
- Supporting the Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) to translate novel scientific discoveries into clinical testing, including early-phase clinical trials
- Encouraging a multidirectional approach to translational research
- Promoting research in high incidence and rare cancers in adults and children
- Facilitating the cross-fertilization of ideas, leveraging resources, and ensuring access of resources to projects and investigators to bring discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic in the most efficient manner
- Supporting additional grant mechanisms for translational research
The objective for all SPOREs is to reduce cancer incidence and mortality and to improve survival and quality of life for cancer patients. SPOREs encourage the advice of patient advocates in SPORE activities. Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact TRP Program Officials for advice prior to submission.
Find a SPORE
Translational Research Program Organization
About TRP Funding
TRP currently uses the P50, U54, and P20 funding mechanisms for the SPORE program. In addition, TRP staff currently oversee a relatively smaller number of R21, R01, R50, U01, and U24 translational research grants. The breakdown of 2024 grants across organ sites and thematic SPOREs can be found here.
TRP also manages grants that are part of special initiatives when those grants are translational and are connected to the themes of currently funded SPOREs. An example is the R50 Research Specialist Career Awards where the applicant is integral to the work of a funded SPORE.