Metastasis Research Network (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for cancer researchers and institutions seeking to conduct collaborative metastasis research. The program funds research networks focused on understanding metastatic disease mechanisms and improving treatment outcomes. Eligible applicants typically include universities, medical centers, research institutes, and nonprofit organizations with established research capabilities. Clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism. Institutions must have the infrastructure and qualified personnel to conduct NIH-funded research and maintain appropriate regulatory compliance.
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Key dates
- Jun 4, 2026 Applications open
- Sep 25, 2026 Application deadline in 71 days
- Mar 1, 2027 Award announced
- Mar 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) solicits applications for research on developing a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of cancer metastasis. Towards this goal, the NCI will support U54 Specialized Centers that together will continue to serve as the hub of the Metastasis Research Network (MetNet). Each MetNet Center should propose an overarching scientific theme that will be pursued through two or three scientific inter- and multidisciplinary basic research projects. The projects should use integrative system level approaches to elucidate and integrate a mechanistic understanding of the non-linear, dynamic, and emergent processes in metastasis. Overarching themes should encompass the interplay between at least two central elements in the metastatic process such as early dissemination, cellular, soluble and/or physical microenvironment crosstalk, dormancy, or mechanisms of responses by metastatic cells to therapies. Studies on all types of cancer are welcome, including rare and pediatric metastatic cancers.
Research proposed by MetNet Centers is expected to advance our understanding towards a more comprehensive appreciation of metastasis as a whole body, systems-level problem.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative (Research Strategy)
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Facilities and Resources
- Letters of Support (collaborating institutions)
- Protection of Human Subjects (if applicable)
- Data Management Plan
Program contact
- 👤 Joanna M. Watson, Ph.D.
- 📧 watsonjo@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 Phone: 240-276-6206
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.396 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$76,358,174
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$48,037,195
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$47,629,682
-
$45,540,324
-
$43,304,433
-
$38,522,746
-
$38,308,314
-
$31,389,631
-
$31,228,587
-
$31,069,673
Top States by Funding
- NY 17 awards $283.5M
- CA 17 awards $198.0M
- MA 18 awards $189.8M
- TX 6 awards $130.2M
- TN 7 awards $102.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.396). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $892,571,343 | |
| 2025 | $935,620,177 | |
| 2026 est. | $580,131,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Universities, medical centers, research institutes, and nonprofit research organizations with NIH research infrastructure. Individual researchers must be affiliated with eligible institutions.
What type of research is supported?
Research on metastasis mechanisms, progression, and novel therapeutic approaches. Clinical trials are specifically not allowed under this mechanism.
What is the typical funding level?
U54 grants typically fund larger collaborative networks. Contact NIH for specific funding details for this announcement.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. NIH cancer research is highly competitive. Strong preliminary data, experienced research teams, and novel approaches strengthen applications.
Are there matching fund requirements?
Not typically for this grant type. Consult the full announcement for any cost-sharing requirements.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build a strong collaborative team with complementary expertise across institutions.
- Include compelling preliminary data demonstrating feasibility of the proposed research.
- Clearly define how the network structure adds value beyond individual grants.
- Address cancer health disparities and translation potential in your application.
- Engage with NIH program officers early to ensure alignment with current funding priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing clinical trials (explicitly not allowed). Weak collaboration structure that doesn't justify U54 funding. Insufficient preliminary data supporting the research approach.
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