The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Metastasis Research Network (MetNet) U54 Grant supports multidisciplinary Specialized Research Centers working to build a more comprehensive, systems-level understanding of cancer metastasis.
Each MetNet Center must develop an overarching scientific theme integrating 2–3 interconnected research projects addressing multiple components of metastatic progression, such as early dissemination, tumor–microenvironment interactions, metastatic dormancy, and treatment response or resistance. NCI plans to provide $6.8 million in FY 2027 to support approximately four awards, with each center able to request up to $1.3 million in direct costs per year for up to five years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education.
- Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, including small businesses, may apply.
- Foreign/non-U.S. organizations are eligible to apply.
- Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations and eligible foreign components are permitted.
- Any investigator with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources may serve as PD/PI.
- Multiple PDs/PIs are permitted, and all PDs/PIs must have an eRA Commons account and ORCID linked to their profile.
- Only new applications are accepted under this NOFO.
Funding Details
- Maximum budget: $1.3 million in direct costs per year.
- Maximum project duration: 5 years.
- Total NCI funding planned: Approximately $6.8 million in FY 2027.
- Expected number of awards: Approximately 4.
- Each Center must reserve at least $50,000 in direct costs annually during Years 2–5 for post-award pilot projects.
Deadline
- Applications opened: August 25, 2026.
- Application deadline: September 25, 2026.
- Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.
- Earliest project start: July 2027.
- NOFO expiration: September 26, 2026.
Further Information
- MetNet Centers are expected to share data, software, models, and other research resources with the wider scientific community and collaborate across the MetNet network.
- Official funding opportunity: View RFA-CA-27-012 full announcement
- Simpler.Grants.gov: View the opportunity
- Grants.gov: View on Grants.gov