NCI/NSF SPARK for material scientists and cancer researchers

Session Title for Website and App: NCI/NSF SPARK for material scientists and cancer researchers

Special Session Program Description: The NCI Division of Cancer Biology and NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences recently launched an exciting initiative to support collaborative projects merging material science and cancer biology. The NSF Supporting new Areas of Knowledge: Cancer as a Living Material (SPARK) initiative was launched in 2023 following a series of NSF-NCI square table meetings that explored the interface of the physical sciences and cancer. The SPARK initiative further supported by an NCI notice of funding opportunity inviting the development of advanced, adaptive biomaterials for use in fundamental cancer biology research (NOT-CA23-030). NCI and NSF program staff will highlight SPARK projects and provide details of current funding opportunities. The session will conclude with a discussion about opportunities and challenges associated with bringing new communities together. The remainder of the time will be saved for Q&A and discussion with attendees.

Committee, Sig, or Organization Title: NIH