Metastasis

The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet): MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Due Date: 06/20/2025

U01 cooperative‐agreement projects using integrative, systems‐level approaches to address defined gaps in cancer metastasis (e.g., dormancy, early dissemination, microenvironment crosstalk). Must integrate with existing U54 MetNet Centers, share data/resources, and set aside 25K CAD/year (Years 2–5) for intra‐network pilot projects. Include a designated Resource & Data Sharing Manager.

Eligibility

  • Eligible entities (U.S. & foreign): colleges/universities; nonprofits; for‐profits (incl. small businesses); tribal, local/state governments; faith‐based, community, regional organizations; non‐U.S. entities.

  • Project type: Research only (no clinical trials), systems‐level metastasis focus, not duplicating existing MetNet work.

  • Investigators: Multi‐disciplinary teams encouraged; PD(s)/PI(s) must have eRA Commons accounts.

Funding

  • Mechanism: U01 (cooperative agreement, no clinical trials)

  • Direct costs: Up to $500K/year max (must include 25K CAD/year for pilot projects and travel)

  • Project period: Up to 5 years

  • Estimated awards: Depends on NIH appropriations and merit

Key Dates

  • Open (earliest submission): May 20, 2025

  • LOI due: 30 days before due date

  • Application due: Jun 20, 2025, 5 PM local time

  • Review: Nov 2025; Advisory Council: Jan 2026; Earliest start: Apr 2026

  • Expiration: Jun 21, 2025

Review Criteria

  1. Significance & Innovation: Does it address a MetNet priority (e.g., dormancy, early dissemination) with novel systems‐level insight?

  2. Rigor & Feasibility: Are designs, controls, sample sizes, and analyses robust? Can systems‐level methods be executed as proposed?

  3. Team Expertise & Environment: Does the team combine requisite expertise (metastasis biology + systems approaches)? Is the Resource & Data Sharing Manager’s role clear?

Additional considerations: Human subject protection; animal welfare; biohazard safety; resource authentication; budget justification.

Contacts