The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites research applications for the Metastasis Research Network (MetNet) through Funding Opportunity Number PAR-25-130. The MetNet initiative, established to address metastatic cancer as a whole-body, systems-level challenge, seeks proposals that use integrative, systems-level approaches to investigate complex metastatic processes. Applicants should propose distinct research projects that align with MetNet’s themes, including metastasis dormancy, early cancer cell dissemination, microenvironment crosstalk, and cellular responses to metastatic treatments. Funded projects will join the MetNet, complementing existing U54 Research Centers and fostering collaborative efforts to expand understanding of metastasis.

The scope of research includes investigations on early tumor cell dissemination from organs such as the lung, prostate, pancreas, and liver, as well as metastasis to sites like bone and lung. Additional areas of interest involve the characterization of dormant cell states, pre-metastatic niche formation, and the influence of standard cancer therapies on dormant metastatic cells. Projects that emphasize systems-level insights into metastatic mechanisms in high-mortality cancers or those disproportionately affecting diverse populations are encouraged. Proposals should not focus solely on clinical trials, epidemiological studies, or therapy development and must apply systems-level approaches to remain eligible.

Awardees are expected to actively participate in the MetNet community, engaging in steering committee activities, collaborative working groups, and intra-network pilot projects. Each project budget must allocate at least $25,000 per year for collaborative pilot projects, to be used in years two through five. A Data and Resource Sharing Manager must be designated for each project to oversee data management and integration across MetNet and ensure compliance with the NIH Data Sharing Policy. MetNet policies require data, software, and models generated to be accessible across the Network and to the broader research community.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profit and for-profit organizations, local government entities, and foreign organizations. Applications can request up to $500,000 in direct costs annually for a project period not exceeding five years. Compliance with NIH registration requirements (SAM, eRA Commons, Grants.gov) is mandatory. Letters of intent are encouraged but not required and should be submitted 30 days before the application deadline. New and resubmission applications are due by June 20, 2025, with subsequent awards anticipated to start by April 2026.

The application review process will assess significance, innovation, rigor, feasibility, and team expertise. Projects will be reviewed based on their scientific merit, alignment with MetNet’s goals, and the adequacy of data management and sharing plans. Applicants will be expected to engage in regular MetNet activities, including an annual meeting and collaborative research efforts.

Award administration will be handled as a cooperative agreement, with NCI Program Officials maintaining substantial involvement in project activities, including facilitating network coordination and avoiding duplication of effort. The MetNet Steering Committee, consisting of project leads, patient advocates, and NCI officials, will guide Network activities and policies, ensuring cohesive progress towards MetNet’s overarching goals.