Early Detection Research Funding Opportunity

Purpose

The Early Detection Research Funding Opportunity is designed to catalyze a paradigm shift in the diagnostic landscape for neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs), addressing the critical need for earlier and more accurate disease identification. We seek innovative research proposals that aim to overcome the limitations of current biomarkers and imaging, particularly in settings where earlier intervention can fundamentally improve patient outcomes.

Each proposal must focus on the development and validation of detection strategies aimed at identifying NENs, precursor or premalignant lesions, and disease recurrence or progression. We are particularly interested in approaches refined for populations where disease risk, clinical suspicion, or recurrence risk is sufficiently elevated to support feasible and actionable outcomes. This includes, but is not limited to, studies involving patients with suggestive clinical symptoms, incidental lesions requiring further evaluation, known predisposition syndromes, precursor conditions relevant to NEN development, or post-treatment settings where timely detection of progression could alter patient management.

We strongly encourage collaborative, multidisciplinary studies that can transform our ability to detect NENs and their precursors at a stage when intervention is most effective.

Program Guidelines and How to Apply

Two award mechanisms are offered for the 2026 Early Detection RFA: the Investigator Award ($300K over two years) and Pilot Award ($100K for one year).

The NETRF RFA model employs a two-step process. The first step is submitting a competitive letter of intent (LOI). One LOI per applicant, per program, may be submitted. The purpose of the LOI is to identify projects with the greatest scientific potential without requiring applicants to submit a full application first. A limited number of applicants whose LOIs are deemed most meritorious will be invited to submit a full proposal. LOIs and full proposals must be submitted through Proposal Central. 

1. 1. Applicants interested in the 2026 Early Detection RFA must submit a an LOI by 5:00 PM ET on Monday, June 15, 2026.
   2. By early August 2026, a limited number of applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Full proposals are due Tuesday, October 6, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.

Program Guidelines

• 2026 NETRF Early Detection Request for Applications: Investigator Award Application Guidelines 
• 2026 NETRF Early Detection Request for Applications: Pilot Award Application Guidelines 

Funding Schedule