HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network Clinical Trials Units

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is forecasting a funding opportunity titled HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network Clinical Trials Units. This initiative is part of NIH’s broader mission to support biomedical research that advances the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. NIAID plays a central role in coordinating large-scale clinical research networks that address complex global health challenges. This opportunity is aligned with ongoing federal efforts to end the HIV epidemic by supporting infrastructure that enables high-quality clinical trials and implementation research. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to solicit applications for Clinical Trials Units (CTUs) that will operate within NIH-supported HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks (CTNs). These CTNs are structured systems composed of multiple coordinated centers, including leadership and operations centers, statistical and data management centers, and laboratory centers. CTUs are essential operational components that provide the infrastructure and scientific expertise needed to conduct clinical trials. These units are expected to support randomized controlled trials and implementation research focused on innovative HIV prevention and treatment strategies. Funded CTUs will include an administrative hub along with domestic and/or international clinical research sites. These sites are expected to support participant recruitment, retention, and data collection for multiple studies across different CTNs. The program emphasizes efficient utilization of resources and shared infrastructure across networks. International collaboration is a key feature, as global studies contribute findings that benefit individuals in the United States who are affected by or at risk of HIV and related conditions. The funding mechanism for this opportunity is a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from NIH staff in program oversight and collaboration. While specific funding amounts, award ceilings, and floors are not provided in the forecast, the scale of the program suggests significant investment in multi-site clinical research infrastructure. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, reducing financial barriers for eligible applicants. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and includes a wide range of organizational types such as institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, government agencies at various levels, tribal governments, and international entities. This inclusive eligibility framework reflects the collaborative and multidisciplinary nature of HIV/AIDS clinical research. Both domestic and foreign institutions are encouraged to apply, provided they meet the program requirements and demonstrate the capacity to conduct complex clinical studies. The application process is expected to follow NIH standard submission procedures, likely requiring detailed research plans, organizational capacity descriptions, and documentation of prior experience in clinical trials. Although specific application components are not listed in the forecast, applicants should anticipate rigorous evaluation based on scientific merit, operational capability, and alignment with NIH priorities. The estimated application due date is January 22, 2027, with awards anticipated by December 1, 2027, and project start dates aligned with the award date. For inquiries, applicants are directed to contact the Division of AIDS at NIAID via the provided email address. As this is a forecasted opportunity, additional details, including full application instructions and requirements, are expected to be released in the official notice of funding opportunity. Applicants are encouraged to monitor updates and prepare in advance for submission once the opportunity is formally posted.