Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

The "Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" grant opportunity, issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to advance research at the critical intersection of aging and HIV/AIDS. This initiative is supported by several NIH Institutes and Centers, including the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), and others. The funding opportunity invites exploratory and developmental research under the R21 mechanism and is aligned with the Office of AIDS Research (OAR) priorities. The grant recognizes the shifting demographics of the HIV-positive population, noting that over half of American adults living with HIV are over 50, and this percentage is expected to rise due to the success of antiretroviral therapies. The initiative seeks to fill vital gaps in understanding the clinical, biological, and socio-behavioral complexities of aging in the context of HIV. The purpose of this funding is twofold: first, to deepen scientific understanding of aging as influenced by HIV infection and its treatment; and second, to improve strategies for testing, preventing, and treating HIV and associated complications in older populations using aging science approaches. Applicants are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary approaches that integrate biology, clinical science, social science, and public health. Emphasis is placed on clinical relevance, inclusion of older adults (especially those aged 70+), and incorporation of geriatric outcomes such as physical and cognitive function and quality of life. Both human-focused and mechanistic studies may be proposed, though applications must clearly demonstrate alignment with OAR priorities. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) prioritizes studies that address clinical outcomes relevant to aging, including multi-morbidity, neurocognitive impairment, frailty, and social determinants of health. The participating Institutes have provided detailed areas of interest, such as alcohol use and HIV (NIAAA), HIV-related dental conditions (NIDCR), substance use and comorbidities (NIDA), and neurodegenerative effects of long-term HIV treatment (NINDS). Importantly, research that focuses solely on comorbid conditions without connecting to HIV will be deemed non-responsive. Investigators must align proposals with the specific interests of at least one participating Institute or Center, and applicants are advised to contact relevant program officers to ensure fit. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as higher education institutions, non-profits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, local and state governments, and tribal entities. Foreign organizations and non-domestic components of U.S. institutions may also apply. All applications must be submitted electronically via one of the NIH-approved platforms such as ASSIST or Grants.gov. The required components include detailed research plans, data sharing plans, and appropriate documentation for human subjects if applicable. NIH standard application due dates apply for AIDS-related applications (e.g., May 7, September 7, and January 7 annually). Funding for this program is limited to $275,000 in direct costs over a two-year period, with no more than $200,000 allowed in any single year. Cost sharing is not required. Applications may propose, but are not required to include, a clinical trial. Reviewers will assess proposals based on significance, innovation, approach, investigator qualifications, and environment. Applications will undergo peer review, followed by review from NIH Advisory Councils, with anticipated start dates roughly six months after submission deadlines. Though this notice has expired as of January 8, 2026, NIH allows for late submissions under specific circumstances in accordance with its late and continuous submission policies. Interested applicants must monitor the NIH Guide for future iterations of this or similar opportunities. Given the recurring nature of this program, and the significant demographic and clinical implications of the aging HIV population, new cycles of this funding opportunity are expected in the near future.