Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) is a program administered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative seeks applications for cooperative agreements to support collaborative research projects that utilize simulation modeling techniques to evaluate interventions across the cancer control continuum. The central goal is to reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality, and improve survivors' quality of life by generating evidence-based tools that can guide clinical and public health decision-making. Applicants are required to propose projects that focus on one of ten eligible cancer types, including bladder, breast, cervix, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, multiple myeloma, lung, prostate, and uterine cancers. Each application must include two to six modeling groups and one coordinating center. Projects must be grounded in comparative modeling, employing multiple independently developed models to examine key cancer control issues such as screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. De novo model development is not allowed; models must be previously developed with a history of comparative modeling experience. This funding opportunity emphasizes the importance of collaborative and transparent research. It encourages cross-cancer site efforts, public health applicability, and partnerships with stakeholders, including government agencies, patient organizations, and professional societies. Applications must also include plans for external collaborations, professional development for junior investigators, and model accessibility for broader dissemination and impact. Priority areas include early-onset cancer trends, implementation of emerging technologies, precision medicine, decision tools, and methodological improvements. Applications must be submitted electronically through the NIH ASSIST system, Grants.gov Workspace, or institutional systems-to-system solutions. They must comply with all requirements outlined in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide, including various attachments that summarize model characteristics, prior analyses, and proposed projects. Applications are due by February 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. No late submissions will be accepted. This is a reissue of RFA-CA-19-054, now under Funding Opportunity Number RFA-CA-25-032. It allows for new applications only and prohibits clinical trials. The anticipated total funding for FY 2026 is $9.438 million, with up to eight awards expected. Individual awards may request up to $1.24 million in direct costs per year for a maximum period of five years. Matching funds are not required. Eligible applicants include a wide range of domestic and foreign public, private, and nonprofit organizations, including higher education institutions, tribal governments, and small businesses. Foreign subawards are not allowed, but foreign components and collaborations may be included. For questions, contact the NCI CISNET Program Office at NCI_DecisionModelingPriorities@mail.nih.gov or call 240-478-8909. The earliest anticipated start date for funded projects is December 2026. This funding opportunity is part of a recurring series, with future cycles expected to follow a similar timeline.

Emphasize comparative modeling with existing models; demonstrate prior collaboration among modeling teams; clearly justify cancer site choice and modeling approach; adhere to CISNET model characteristics; show dissemination and outreach capacity