Tuberculosis Research Advancement Centers (TRACs)

The Tuberculosis Research Advancement Centers (TRACs) initiative is a forecasted funding opportunity from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of the TRACs program is to support and enhance the infrastructure necessary to develop and advance research on tuberculosis (TB). This initiative is rooted in NIAID’s broader mission to conduct and support research that prevents, diagnoses, and treats infectious and immune-mediated diseases, recognizing TB as a major public health concern both domestically and globally. The TRACs program is designed to foster the scientific careers of early-stage investigators or researchers newly transitioning into the TB field. The program aims to build capacity and provide mentorship and administrative support for emerging scientists, helping to cultivate a new generation of TB researchers. Additionally, the program will offer short-term funding mechanisms for TB-specific pilot projects and facilitate collaborative research between funded TRACs institutions. These elements are structured to encourage innovative approaches, cross-institutional engagement, and translational applications that could lead to impactful discoveries in the fight against TB. The scope of funding under this opportunity includes support for both basic and clinical research infrastructure, along with resources tailored to the needs of early-career scientists. While specific budget caps or ranges are not disclosed in the forecasted notice, the TRACs mechanism allows for substantial support over multiple years, as evidenced by the estimated project start date of March 1, 2027, and the alignment with multi-year NIH initiatives. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required, simplifying the financial burden for applicants. The assistance listing associated with this grant is 93.855, which pertains to Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research. Eligibility for this opportunity is extensive and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of organizational types. These include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, independent school districts, nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations, tribal entities, housing authorities, small businesses, and various governmental entities at the state, county, city, or township level. Also included are Indian/Native American tribal governments (both federally and non-federally recognized), faith-based organizations, regional and federal agencies, and U.S. territories and possessions. Only one application per institution is permitted, typically identified by a unique entity identifier (UEI) or NIH IPF number. Additional eligibility specifics will be detailed in the final Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). As of the forecast date, key submission dates have been outlined: the estimated application post date is April 3, 2026, with an anticipated application due date of June 2, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced by March 1, 2027, which will also serve as the project start date. No pre-application components like letters of intent or concept papers have been noted in the forecast, but these may be introduced in the final NOFO. The grant is expected to recur, indicating future cycles for interested applicants. Applicants or institutions with questions are encouraged to reach out via the designated TRACs Program email: [email protected]. While the current opportunity is in a forecasted stage, institutions engaged in TB research or those aiming to expand into this field should monitor developments closely. The TRACs program represents a significant federal investment in building the TB research workforce and catalyzing collaborative scientific advancements against one of the world’s most persistent infectious diseases.