Advancing HIV/AIDS Research within the Mission of the NIDCD (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Advancing HIV/AIDS Research within the Mission of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) funding opportunity is administered by the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDCD is a federal institute focused on supporting research and training related to disorders of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. Through this initiative, the institute seeks to expand scientific understanding and improve health outcomes for individuals living with HIV/AIDS by addressing communication-related disorders that intersect with HIV infection and treatment. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to stimulate innovative HIV/AIDS research aligned with NIDCD’s mission areas. Applicants are expected to address high-priority research topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research, particularly those that explore the impact of HIV on communication systems and related disorders. The program encourages hypothesis-driven research spanning epidemiological, basic, translational, and clinical domains. Emphasis is placed on multidisciplinary collaboration and the use of existing HIV cohorts or infrastructure where possible. Research may include studies on the biological and physiological effects of HIV on communication, the impact of treatments on sensory and communication functions, and the development of interventions to improve outcomes for affected populations. Funding is provided through the R21 exploratory/developmental grant mechanism, which supports early-stage, innovative projects. The total project period is limited to two years, with a combined direct cost budget not exceeding $275,000 and a maximum of $200,000 in any single year. Clinical trials are permitted but must be low-risk, meaning they do not require FDA oversight and pose minimal potential harm. High-risk or large-scale clinical trials are not eligible under this opportunity and must be submitted under a different mechanism. There is no cost-sharing requirement for this grant, allowing applicants to request full funding within the specified limits. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing a wide range of domestic and international entities. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities including small businesses, government agencies at various levels, tribal organizations, and foreign institutions. Individual investigators must demonstrate the necessary expertise and resources to conduct the proposed research and must be affiliated with an eligible organization. Multiple applications may be submitted by the same organization as long as each is scientifically distinct. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov or NIH’s ASSIST system and tracked via eRA Commons. Applicants are required to complete several registrations, including SAM and eRA Commons, prior to submission. The application must follow the NIH Research (R) Instructions and include all required components such as a research strategy, budget, and data management and sharing plan. Applications are evaluated through NIH’s peer review process, with criteria focusing on significance, innovation, scientific rigor, feasibility, investigator expertise, and institutional environment. Projects are assessed for their potential to advance knowledge and improve the health and well-being of people living with HIV. The funding opportunity operates on standard NIH submission cycles with multiple due dates per year. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time on specified dates, with review and award timelines following established NIH schedules. The program has an expiration date of July 17, 2026, indicating that the current funding cycle will conclude at that time. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time for corrections. Award notifications follow peer review and advisory council evaluation, and successful projects may begin within months of submission depending on the cycle. Key contacts are provided for scientific, administrative, and submission-related inquiries, including designated program officers and grants management staff. These contacts support applicants throughout the process and ensure compliance with NIH requirements. Overall, this funding opportunity represents a targeted effort to address a critical intersection of HIV/AIDS and communication disorders, with the goal of improving quality of life and advancing scientific knowledge in this specialized field.

Focus on innovation and impact on people living with HIV ensure strong scientific rationale and feasible approach align closely with NIDCD mission