NIAID Investigator Initiated Program Project Applications

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health, is forecasting a funding opportunity titled “NIAID Investigator Initiated Program Project Applications” under opportunity number FOR-AI-27-008. This initiative aligns with NIAID’s mission to support research that advances understanding and treatment of infectious, immune-mediated, and allergic diseases. The Program Project mechanism encourages investigator-initiated research in key scientific areas relevant to NIAID. The focus of the opportunity is to support collaborative research proposals that encompass the biology, pathogenesis, and host response to microbial agents; immune system development and function over the lifespan or during infections; mechanisms underlying immune-related diseases such as autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, allergy, asthma, and transplant rejection; and translational research for the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. This grant opportunity is part of a discretionary funding category and is authorized under Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act (42 USC 241 and 284) as well as federal regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200. Applicants eligible to apply include a broad array of organizations such as county and state governments, public and private institutions of higher education, public housing authorities, Native American tribal entities (both recognized and unrecognized), independent school districts, nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, small and other for-profit organizations. This broad eligibility scope supports NIAID’s goal of encouraging comprehensive research initiatives across diverse sectors and regions. The estimated posting date for the full funding opportunity is December 12, 2025, with applications due by January 25, 2026. Projects selected for funding are expected to receive awards by December 1, 2026, with the same date serving as the anticipated start for awarded projects. As this is a forecasted opportunity, specific funding details including the award ceiling, award floor, total available funding, and the number of awards to be issued have not yet been disclosed. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity. All interested parties should prepare to apply once the notice is officially posted. The grant does not operate on a rolling basis, and it has not been explicitly indicated whether this opportunity is recurring; thus, those interested should plan to apply within the stated timeline. For additional information or questions about this opportunity, applicants may contact Chelsea Boyd, Ph.D., at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. She can be reached at 301-761-6664 or via email at chelsea.boyd@nih.gov.