Using Archived Data and Specimen Collections to Advance Maternal and Pediatric HIV/AIDS Research

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the Department of Health and Human Services, is forecasting a grant opportunity titled “Using Archived Data and Specimen Collections to Advance Maternal and Pediatric HIV/AIDS Research.” This initiative is managed by the Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch (MPIDB) of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). NICHD has a longstanding commitment to fostering high-quality research in maternal, pediatric, and adolescent HIV, with a particular focus on utilizing existing data and biospecimen repositories. Through this funding opportunity, the NIH intends to support innovative research that repurposes previously collected HIV-related data and biospecimens to address emerging and persistent questions in maternal and child health. The main objective of this forecasted grant is to promote the secondary use of archived datasets and biospecimens. These data and materials were initially collected under past HIV/AIDS research efforts, and their reuse presents an efficient and strategic way to extract new scientific insights without the need for new collection efforts. Emphasis will be placed on projects that integrate cutting-edge data science approaches, leverage existing research infrastructure, and engage interdisciplinary teams. The aim is to generate novel insights into the mechanisms, progression, treatment, and prevention of HIV/AIDS in maternal and pediatric populations, using already available and often underutilized resources. Funding for this opportunity falls under the discretionary grant category and is aligned with the Health funding activity type. The total program funding is estimated at $1,000,000, with two awards expected to be granted. Specific award ceilings and floors have not been disclosed and will need to be confirmed upon official release. The grant is federally funded, supported by legal authorities such as the Public Health Service Act and the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992. No cost sharing or matching is required for applicants, which may enhance accessibility for smaller or under-resourced institutions. Eligible applicants span a broad range of entities, including nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, public and private higher education institutions, for-profit organizations (excluding small businesses), small businesses, Native American tribal governments and organizations, state and county governments, independent school districts, and public housing authorities. This inclusive eligibility framework reflects NIH’s intention to foster diverse research participation from across sectors and communities. The grant opportunity is currently forecasted, with an estimated post date of October 1, 2025. The anticipated application due date is January 2, 2026, and awards are expected to be announced by July 1, 2026, which is also the projected project start date. The opportunity does not operate on a rolling basis, and no recurring cycle has been formally established. However, the structure of the initiative suggests potential for future rounds, pending demand and outcomes from initial awards. For further information and inquiries, interested parties should contact Samantha Calabrese, M.P.H., at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. She can be reached via email at samantha.calabrese@nih.gov or by phone at 301-827-7568. All prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov for the official notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) and complete application instructions, which will be posted following the forecast period.