AIDS Research Center on Mental Health and HIV/AIDS (P30 Clinical Trial Optional)

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), operating under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Division of AIDS Research (DAR), has announced a reissued funding opportunity for the AIDS Research Center on Mental Health and HIV/AIDS. This program, designated under Funding Opportunity Number PAR-24-165, invites applications for P30 Center Core Grants that provide infrastructural support to HIV/AIDS Research Centers (ARCs). These ARCs are expected to conduct interdisciplinary research that aligns with NIMH’s mission and the national priorities on HIV/AIDS, addressing areas such as behavioral science, neuro-HIV, clinical implementation, and data science. The program is tailored to foster innovation, promote collaboration, and support the dissemination of research that enhances the mental health and treatment outcomes of people living with HIV (PWH). The NIMH ARCs are designed to serve as a hub for high-impact HIV/AIDS research across diverse scientific domains. Applicants are encouraged to align their work with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, the NIH Office of AIDS Research Strategic Plan, and the NIMH Strategic Plan for HIV Research. The Centers are expected to address systemic health disparities by examining multilevel factors—individual, contextual, and structural—that influence HIV acquisition and treatment outcomes. These include intersectional stigma, discrimination, socioeconomic factors, and population mobility. Centers may also explore innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and digital health tools to support care delivery, assess neurodevelopment and mental health outcomes, and study the neurological consequences of HIV. Each application must be submitted as a multi-component structure, including an Overall component, an Administrative Core, a Developmental Core, and at least three Research Cores. The Administrative Core is responsible for strategic planning, fiscal management, and coordination of the Center’s activities, while the Developmental Core supports pilot studies and capacity-building for emerging researchers. Research Cores function as shared resources to provide knowledge, training, or technical services that support affiliated investigators. All proposed activities must adhere to NIH standards, including the collection and sharing of Common Data Elements (CDEs) and compliance with the NIMH Data Management and Sharing Policy. Additionally, ARCs must demonstrate strong collaborations with other academic institutions, community partners, and relevant public health agencies such as CDC and HRSA. Funding may be requested for up to $1.5 million in total costs per year, with a maximum project period of five years. While there is no mandatory cost-sharing requirement, the applicant institution must demonstrate the capacity to support a vibrant HIV/AIDS research community, with at least four active NIMH R-series grants and two additional NIH awards at the time of submission. Eligible applicant organizations include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, and local, state, and tribal governments, provided they are based in the U.S. or its territories. Foreign institutions and foreign components are not eligible. The earliest submission date for applications is July 25, 2024, with a recurring due date for AIDS applications of May 25 annually. For the current cycle, applications are due on May 25, 2026. Letters of intent are strongly encouraged and should be submitted 30 days prior to the due date. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov using the NIH ASSIST system or an institutional system-to-system solution. All submissions must comply with the multi-project application instructions in the NIH “How to Apply” guide. Failure to comply with these formatting and content guidelines may result in delays or non-acceptance of the application. Scientific merit reviews will be conducted in November 2026, followed by advisory council reviews in January 2027, with the earliest possible award start date in April 2027. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the designated program officers, including Dr. Christopher Gordon ([email protected]), for guidance on priorities and fit. For submission or peer review questions, applicants may contact Nicholas Gaiano at [email protected]. All awardees must adhere to NIH requirements for data sharing, human subject protections, and IRB approvals. Research involving clinical trials or studies with greater than minimal risk to human subjects will require NIH prior approval before initiation. Centers must also plan for annual external advisory committee evaluations and report back on strategic progress.

Follow NIH formatting and submission instructions strictly. Ensure all eRA Commons registrations are complete. Plan for multi-core components and detailed strategic plans.