Metastasis Research Network (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Metastasis Research Network (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding opportunity is issued by the National Institutes of Health, specifically through the National Cancer Institute, which operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The National Cancer Institute is the federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training, and it plays a central role in advancing scientific understanding of cancer biology, prevention, and treatment. This opportunity is part of a broader federal effort to deepen knowledge of cancer metastasis, a complex biological process responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the continuation and expansion of the Metastasis Research Network through the establishment of U54 Specialized Centers. These centers are intended to function collaboratively as hubs within the MetNet program, each contributing to a comprehensive and systems-level understanding of metastasis. Applicants are required to propose an overarching scientific theme that integrates two or three interrelated research projects. These projects must be multidisciplinary and focused on uncovering the dynamic and non-linear mechanisms that govern metastatic progression, including interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironments. Funding under this opportunity is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement by the funding agency in the scientific and administrative aspects of the projects. Each center is expected to employ integrative approaches that examine multiple aspects of metastasis, such as early dissemination of cancer cells, dormancy, interactions with the microenvironment, and responses to therapy. The program encourages research across all cancer types, including rare and pediatric cancers, emphasizing innovative approaches that contribute to a unified understanding of metastasis as a systemic biological phenomenon. The funding scope allows for support of multiple research components within each center, but explicitly excludes clinical trials. Allowable activities include basic and translational research that aligns with the stated objectives of the MetNet program. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. The estimated total program funding is 6.8 million dollars, with individual awards capped at 1.3 million dollars. Approximately four awards are expected to be made, supporting a limited number of highly competitive and collaborative research centers. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of domestic and international entities. Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and various levels of government entities including state, local, and tribal governments. Foreign organizations and international collaborations are explicitly permitted, as are foreign components of U.S.-based institutions. Additional eligibility requirements and clarifications are detailed in the full Notice of Funding Opportunity. The application process requires submission through the appropriate federal grants systems, typically involving registration with Grants.gov and adherence to NIH submission guidelines. While specific application components are not detailed in the summary, applicants can expect to prepare comprehensive research plans, budgets, and supporting documentation consistent with NIH standards. The application deadline is September 25, 2026, and the opportunity was posted on June 4, 2026. There is no indication of recurring funding cycles, suggesting this is a one-time or periodically reissued opportunity. For questions or technical assistance, applicants may contact the NCI MetNet Research Program via email at NCIMetNet@mail.nih.gov. The timeline from application submission to award notification is not specified in the summary, but NIH funding cycles typically involve several months of peer review and administrative processing. Successful applicants will contribute to a national research network aimed at transforming the understanding of cancer metastasis and advancing the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.

Emphasize integrative, systems-level approaches to metastasis and strong interdisciplinary collaboration