Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program

Support research and product development to strengthen the nation's preparedness for radiological and nuclear emergencies. Its primary objective is to develop safe and effective approaches prevent, reduce, or treat injuries caused by exposure to ioni

Radiation and Nuclear Countermeasures Program is a national preparedness initiative that supports the research, development, and evaluation of medical countermeasures to protect public health during radiological and nuclear emergencies. The program's mission is to advance innovative therapies, diagnostics, and technologies that can prevent, mitigate, or treat injuries caused by exposure to ionizing radiation resulting from nuclear accidents, radiological incidents, or acts of terrorism involving radioactive or nuclear materials. The RNCP funds basic, translational, and applied research to improve the understanding of radiation-induced injury and to accelerate the development of promising medical products. Key areas of focus include treatments for acute radiation syndrome (ARS), delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE), which include radiation damage affecting the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, skin, and other critical organs, and products to remove damaging radioactive particles from the body. The program also supports research on biodosimetry tools that rapidly assess radiation exposure levels, enabling healthcare providers and emergency responders to accurately triage affected individuals and provide timely medical care. Working in collaboration with academic institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, other federal agencies, and international partners, the RNCP helps move promising discoveries from laboratory research through preclinical and clinical development toward regulatory approval. By fostering innovation and strengthening the nation's medical response capabilities, the program enhances U.S. preparedness for radiological and nuclear public health emergencies, helping to reduce illness, save lives, and improve national health security.

The following consideration will be used in determining projects to be funded: (1) Technical merit of the proposed project as determined by peer review; (2) Availability of funds; and (3) Relevance to CCRP programmatic research priorities.

Applications will compete for available funds on the basis of scientific and technical merit, program relevance, and program balance with all other recommended applications submitted in response to this NOFO. All applications are evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate scientific peer review panel. Following initial peer review, recommended applications will receive a second level of review by the National Advisory Allergy and Infectious Diseases Council.