The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations and academic institutions conducting cancer metastasis research. Eligible applicants typically include universities, research hospitals, nonprofit research organizations, and government laboratories. Domestic and foreign organizations may apply, though funding is limited to U.S. activities.
The program supports collaborative research projects investigating metastatic cancer mechanisms, prevention, and treatment. Projects must involve multiple collaborating institutions working together on metastasis-focused research questions. Clinical trials are not supported under this specific U01 mechanism.
Applicants must have strong research capacity and infrastructure to conduct rigorous basic, translational, or clinical investigations. NIH requires demonstrated institutional commitment and appropriate facilities for the proposed work.
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Program description
The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Metastasis Research Network (MetNet) is a collection of U54 Research Centers that support using systems-level approaches to understand pressing questions in metastasis. The overall goal of the MetNet is to advance our understanding of metastasis as a whole body, systems-level problem to develop a comprehensive and cohesive picture of the processes involved. Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the NCI invites applications for MetNet Research Projects. These Research Projects should be defined as discrete entities that use systems-level approaches to address gaps and opportunities in metastasis research to integrate into the MetNet and complement ongoing research across the Network.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Federal Application Form
- Project Narrative (specific aims, significance, innovation, approach)
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (5-page format for key personnel)
- Institutional Letters of Support
- Research Plan and Timeline
- Facilities and Equipment descriptions
- Prior and Pending Support documentation
- Data Management and Sharing Plan
- Authentication of Key Research Personnel
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 NCIMetNet@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
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
-
$53,181,497
-
$47,843,324
-
$47,629,682
-
$45,669,433
-
$38,522,746
-
$38,024,259
-
$33,749,574
-
$32,985,234
-
$32,291,641
Top States by Funding
- NY 21 awards $322.0M
- CA 17 awards $205.1M
- MA 18 awards $196.6M
- TX 6 awards $135.1M
- TN 7 awards $106.0M
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, research hospitals, nonprofit research organizations, and government laboratories with cancer research expertise. Applicants must have institutional support and adequate research infrastructure.
What types of research are supported?
Basic, translational, and clinical research on cancer metastasis mechanisms. Clinical trials are not allowed under this U01 mechanism.
What is the typical funding range?
U01 grants typically provide $500,000 to $2 million annually. Specific amounts vary based on project scope and institutional commitment required.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. NIH grants typically fund 10-20% of applications. Strong preliminary data and a multi-institutional research team strengthen competitiveness.
When should I start preparing my application?
Begin 6-8 months before the deadline. You'll need to secure institutional commitments, develop research protocols, and gather preliminary data.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start building your collaborative team early. Multi-institutional partnerships are essential for U01 success and scoring.
- Develop strong preliminary data demonstrating feasibility of your metastasis research approach. NIH reviewers require proof of concept.
- Have your institutional research office review all budget and compliance details well before submission deadlines.
- Frame your research within the broader NIH cancer research priorities and the specific metastasis research landscape.
- Request letters of institutional commitment from all collaborating sites showing resource allocation and leadership support.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting without multi-institutional collaboration. U01 grants require genuine partnership, not just consultants. Weak preliminary data undermines credibility with reviewers. Underestimating complexity of NIH compliance requirements and regulatory documentation.
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