Forecast to Publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity for The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is preparing to release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) titled "The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)." This opportunity is forecasted under the identifier PAR-26-134 and is set to be officially published in the summer of 2025. NCI, through this initiative, seeks to support research that applies integrative, systems-level approaches to investigate specific questions in metastasis research. The forthcoming NOFO is designed to complement ongoing work within the Metastasis Research Network (MetNet), with a focus on enhancing the collaborative and systemic understanding of the mechanisms driving cancer metastasis. MetNet was initiated in 2021 to foster a coordinated research effort involving U54 Research Centers that utilize systems biology approaches to examine the complex, non-linear, and dynamic processes involved in metastasis. The network's overarching goal is to interpret metastasis not as an isolated phenomenon but as a system-wide issue influenced by multiple biological scales and timeframes. Through this funding opportunity, the NCI will support U01 Research Projects that integrate into MetNet and contribute to its holistic scientific agenda. Participation in MetNet’s governance, particularly through active involvement in its Steering Committee, is a requirement for all selected U01 awardees, underscoring the collaborative nature of this program. Proposed research projects are expected to center around one or more of the thematic priorities identified in the earlier NOFO RFA-CA-20-029. These include, but are not limited to, mechanisms of metastatic dormancy, early dissemination of cancer cells, crosstalk between tumor cells and their microenvironments—whether cellular or physical—and responses of metastatic cells to therapeutic interventions. Such a focus is intended to drive progress in unraveling the complex behavior of metastatic cells and, ultimately, to inform more effective interventions and treatments. The funding instrument for this opportunity will be a Cooperative Agreement, emphasizing the partnership between the awardees and the NIH. It is anticipated that around ten awards will be granted. However, details regarding the exact funding amounts, ceilings, and floors have not yet been provided in the forecast. The cooperative agreement structure suggests close coordination between awardees and program staff, with shared responsibilities and active oversight. The expected timeline includes an estimated NOFO publication date of August 22, 2025, with applications due by October 22, 2025. Awards are anticipated to be made by July 1, 2026, which also marks the estimated project start date. This allows sufficient lead time for potential applicants to form collaborations and develop comprehensive project proposals. No pre-application documents such as Letters of Intent or Concept Papers are currently required, although applicants are advised to begin preparations early in anticipation of the formal solicitation. For additional information, interested parties may contact Joanna M. Watson, Ph.D., at the National Cancer Institute. She can be reached via email at watsonjo@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 240-276-6206. Applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov and the NCI website for updates on the official NOFO release and any related announcements. The initiative is funded under Assistance Listing 93.396 – Cancer Biology Research and does not require cost sharing or matching funds.