Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Centers

The Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Centers (CCRCs) initiative is a forecasted funding opportunity from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As part of its mission to address significant infectious diseases, NIAID supports research aimed at preventing and treating Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever. This fungal disease is endemic to certain U.S. regions and presents considerable challenges in treatment due to its severity and the current absence of a preventative vaccine. This initiative will continue support for highly collaborative and multidisciplinary research centers dedicated to advancing the development of a vaccine against Coccidioidomycosis. These centers, designated as CCRCs, will focus on clinical and translational research activities that align with NIAID’s strategic plan for vaccine development. Key components of the research agenda include addressing critical gaps in Coccidioides biology, generating innovative tools and resources, and pursuing vaccine candidates with the potential for clinical application. The CCRCs are expected to utilize unique regional research infrastructure and patient populations from endemic areas to facilitate translational progress. While the exact funding levels are not yet disclosed, the effort is structured as a discretionary grant opportunity under Assistance Listing 93.855, focused on Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research. Cost sharing or matching funds are not required for applicants. Eligible applicants span a broad range of public, private, nonprofit, and for-profit entities, including public and private institutions of higher education, state and local governments, tribal organizations (both federally and non-federally recognized), nonprofits, small businesses, and U.S. territories. Non-domestic (foreign) entities are also eligible, reflecting the NIH’s inclusive stance on advancing global infectious disease research. The opportunity is currently forecasted with an estimated posting date of January 5, 2026. Applications will be due by March 6, 2026. Awards are expected to be made by December 1, 2026, with project starts aligning with this date. The fiscal year of award is 2027. At this stage, submission instructions and evaluation criteria have not been specified in detail. Prospective applicants should monitor Grants.gov for updates to the full funding announcement. The designated point of contact for this opportunity is Dona Love, Ph.D., reachable by phone at 301-761-7788 or by email at dona.love@nih.gov. The grant is expected to recur annually, indicating a structured commitment to Valley fever vaccine development in the years ahead.