Mucosal Immunology Studies Team (MIST) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has issued a forecast notice for an upcoming funding opportunity titled “Mucosal Immunology Studies Team (MIST) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)” under opportunity number NOT-AI-25-031. This initiative falls under the discretionary grant category and is structured as a cooperative agreement using the U01 activity code, indicating significant scientific and programmatic involvement from the NIH. The opportunity is set to be formally posted by July 3, 2025, with an application due date of November 3, 2025, and projects expected to commence on July 1, 2026. This grant aims to support a cooperative research group investigating immune regulation and immune mechanisms at mucosal surfaces of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts. The program's core objective is to advance the scientific understanding of mucosal immunology through innovative approaches, technologies, and research strategies that address unresolved and difficult questions in the field. While clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity, collaborative, interdisciplinary research efforts are encouraged to strengthen the quality and impact of the submitted proposals. Eligibility for this grant is broad and includes a range of organizations such as federally recognized Native American tribal governments, other tribal organizations, small businesses, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions), public and private institutions of higher education, independent school districts, state and local governments, and public housing authorities. This inclusivity allows for diverse research participation across sectors and disciplines, provided the focus remains aligned with the program’s central goal of exploring mucosal immunological processes. The NIH has allocated an estimated total program funding of $3,000,000, with approximately five awards expected. The funding limits for individual awards have not been specified in the forecast notice, and there is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. This provides a relatively low barrier to entry for potential applicants, especially smaller or resource-constrained institutions. As a cooperative agreement, funded applicants should anticipate close coordination with NIH program staff throughout the project lifecycle. At this stage, applications are not being accepted. The publication of this forecast is intended to give interested investigators ample time to prepare responsive proposals and establish meaningful collaborations. Individuals and organizations with relevant expertise are advised to begin formulating research concepts and team structures in advance of the official solicitation. The NIH has made it clear that collaboration is a desirable component of proposals and that this early notice is an opportunity for interested parties to align their planning accordingly. Questions or requests for additional information can be directed to Dr. Deborah L. Hodge at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. She can be reached at hodged@mail.nih.gov or by phone at 240-551-3037. Interested applicants should monitor Grants.gov for the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and are advised to adhere to all deadlines as they become available.