HIV/AIDS Scholars Using Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Models Program (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The HIV/AIDS Scholars Using Nonhuman Primate (NHP) Models Program (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed), issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a reissue of PAR-22-248. The participating organizations include the Division of Program Coordination, Planning and Strategic Initiatives, Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP), the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The overarching goal of this program is to provide salary and research support to investigators within ten years of completing their terminal professional degree or residency training. It is intended to foster research and mentorship in the field of HIV/AIDS translational studies using nonhuman primates as preclinical models. The awards offer three years of support for intensive research career development under the mentorship of an experienced team. This aligns with the FY 2021-2025 NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Research, which emphasizes reducing HIV incidence, developing next-generation therapies, pursuing an HIV cure, and addressing associated comorbidities. The funding mechanism is the K01 Research Scientist Development Award, specifically structured for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial but may include research experience in a trial led by a mentor. The total project period may not exceed three years. The award includes up to $100,000 annually for salary and an additional $100,000 per year for research development costs. Indirect costs are reimbursed at 8 percent of modified total direct costs. The program encourages the concurrent submission of a scientifically distinct application to the companion R21 Notice of Funding Opportunity PAR-23-215 to acquire additional funds for NHP research. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based higher education institutions (both public and private), certain nonprofit organizations, and various levels of government. Non-domestic entities and components are not eligible. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and hold positions such as Assistant Professor or equivalent at an institution with access to NHP facilities. The mentor team must include experts in both NHP HIV/AIDS research and clinical translation, with specific guidance provided on mentoring roles and responsibilities. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov using the NIH ASSIST system or an institutional system-to-system solution. Key dates include an open date of August 7, 2023, and standard NIH AIDS application due dates through September 7, 2025. The expiration date for this opportunity is September 8, 2025. Applications are reviewed for scientific merit by an NIH Scientific Review Group and subsequently by an Advisory Council. Evaluation criteria include the candidate’s potential for independent research, the quality and appropriateness of the career development plan and research project, mentorship quality, and institutional commitment. Submission requirements mandate adherence to NIH’s application guide, with specific instructions for the career development award. Applications must include detailed plans for career development, mentorship, research strategy, responsible conduct of research, and institutional support. Applicants must also provide a plan for data management and sharing. Contact information for scientific, peer review, and financial inquiries is provided, with representatives from ORIP, NIMH, and NIAID available to assist prospective applicants. The program’s intent is to build a strong workforce capable of leveraging NHP models to advance HIV/AIDS research and translate findings to human clinical applications. The NIH underscores the importance of training and capacity building in this domain, recognizing the high costs and complexity associated with NHP studies. The award is designed to help early-stage investigators overcome barriers to independence and enhance their competitiveness for future NIH research funding.