HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network Leadership and Operations Centers

The National Institutes of Health, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is forecasting a funding opportunity titled HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network Leadership and Operations Centers. This initiative is part of the federal government’s broader effort to support biomedical research and public health advancements related to HIV and associated diseases. NIH, as the primary federal agency for medical research, seeks to coordinate large-scale, multi-institutional clinical trials through structured networks that can address prevention, treatment, and implementation science across diverse populations. The purpose of this opportunity is to support the development and operation of Leadership and Operations Centers within four Clinical Trials Networks. Each network will include coordinated components such as a Statistical and Data Management Center and a Laboratory Center, all working collaboratively with Clinical Trials Units. These centers are expected to provide scientific leadership, establish research priorities, and oversee the execution of clinical studies aimed at ending the HIV epidemic. The research agenda is divided into four key domains: HIV therapeutics and cure research for adults, maternal and pediatric HIV prevention and treatment, biomedical prevention strategies for adolescents and adults, and immune-based prevention approaches. Funding will support a wide range of activities associated with clinical trials leadership and infrastructure. This includes research planning, protocol development, coordination of trial sites, data management, and dissemination of findings. The cooperative agreement mechanism indicates substantial involvement from NIH staff in guiding and supporting project implementation. While specific funding amounts are not provided in the forecast, the expectation is that funded entities will manage complex, multi-site research programs with significant operational and scientific responsibilities. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of organizational types. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized and non-recognized tribal entities, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations regardless of 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, and small businesses. Additional eligible entities include federal agencies, U.S. territories, faith-based organizations, and regional organizations. This inclusivity reflects the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature required to effectively address HIV research and implementation challenges. The application process is expected to follow standard NIH submission procedures, though specific requirements will be detailed upon release of the full funding opportunity announcement. Applicants will likely need to prepare comprehensive proposals including research plans, organizational capacity descriptions, and data management strategies. As this is a forecasted opportunity, prospective applicants are encouraged to begin early planning and coordination efforts in anticipation of the official posting. The estimated timeline indicates that the opportunity will be posted on or around August 25, 2026, with an application deadline of January 22, 2027. Awards are expected to be made by December 1, 2027, with project start dates aligned to that same date. No cost sharing or matching requirement is specified for this program. Interested applicants may direct inquiries to the Division of AIDS at NIAID via the provided email contact. This opportunity is expected to play a significant role in advancing national HIV research priorities through coordinated clinical trial networks.