Forecast to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced a forecast for a future funding opportunity through the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET). This initiative is structured as a cooperative agreement (U01 activity code), and clinical trials are not allowed under this funding mechanism. This forecasted notice, titled "Forecast to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET)," is currently in its initial forecast stage and is intended to allow sufficient time for interested applicants to prepare competitive and collaborative submissions. CISNET is designed to leverage comparative simulation modeling to enhance the utility of existing trial, epidemiological, and surveillance data, supporting evidence-based public health decisions across the cancer continuum. By using computational modeling techniques, CISNET aims to extend empirical findings and fill gaps in knowledge where randomized control trials or observational studies may be limited. The goal is to inform cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship strategies through robust modeling approaches. Eligible organizations for this upcoming opportunity include a wide range of applicants, such as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, independent school districts, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), state and county governments, Native American tribal governments (both federally recognized and otherwise), and public housing authorities. There are no restrictions on geographic eligibility; applicants from all U.S. states and territories may apply. The estimated timeline for this funding opportunity indicates a forecast release date of June 18, 2025, with the formal funding opportunity expected to be published by July 31, 2025. The application due date is projected for November 7, 2025. Awards are expected to be issued by August 1, 2026, which will also serve as the anticipated project start date. As this is a forecasted announcement, applications are not being accepted at this time. The NIH encourages early engagement by prospective applicants. Those with expertise in simulation modeling for cancer control, including disciplines such as decision modeling, statistics, epidemiology, computer science, health economics, medicine, and public health, are particularly encouraged to begin developing collaborative proposals. Although there is no requirement for cost sharing or matching funds, applicants should prepare to assemble multi-disciplinary teams and comprehensive proposals in response to the final Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) when it is published. Questions regarding this forecasted opportunity can be directed to Dr. Natasha Stout at the National Cancer Institute. She may be contacted via email at natasha.stout@nih.gov or by phone at 240-478-8909. Additional details, including required documentation, application instructions, and evaluation criteria, will be released with the official NOFO on or around July 31, 2025.