Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Centers (P01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Centers program is a federal funding opportunity issued by the National Institutes of Health through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This initiative is designed to advance biomedical research focused on coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, a fungal infection that continues to rise in incidence across endemic regions. The program reflects a broader federal priority to accelerate the development of a vaccine and improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this disease. It supports large-scale, coordinated research efforts that bring together multidisciplinary expertise and resources to address complex scientific challenges. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to establish collaborative research centers that integrate translational and clinical research aligned with strategic priorities for vaccine development. These centers are expected to form highly collaborative teams spanning multiple disciplines such as fungal biology, immunology, genomics, and clinical medicine. The program emphasizes coordinated research projects that collectively advance understanding of disease mechanisms, immune responses, and potential vaccine targets. Each center must demonstrate synergy among its components, ensuring that the combined work produces greater impact than individual projects conducted independently. Funding supports a structured, multi-component program that includes a required administrative core, at least two research projects, and optional shared cores. The administrative core is responsible for oversight, coordination, and management of all center activities, including financial and operational governance. Research projects must align with a central theme and include at least one clinical research component involving patient samples from endemic regions. Optional cores may provide shared services such as statistical support or laboratory resources. Additionally, centers must implement a Development and Research Program to support early-stage investigators and foster innovation. Applicants must adhere to strict structural and submission requirements. Applications must be submitted electronically through approved NIH systems and must follow the multi-project application guidelines. Required components include detailed research strategies, management plans, and data sharing plans. Applications must also comply with page limits and formatting requirements specified in the NIH application guide. Failure to meet these requirements may result in rejection without review. The submission process includes validation through federal systems, and applicants are responsible for ensuring accuracy prior to the deadline. Eligibility for this program is broad and includes higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and various levels of government within the United States. However, foreign organizations are not eligible to apply, and foreign subawards are not permitted under this opportunity. Applicants must complete required federal registrations, including SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons, prior to submission. Individuals serving as principal investigators must possess the necessary expertise and institutional support to lead complex, multi-project research programs. The application timeline begins with an open date in June 2026, with a submission deadline in July 2026. Applications undergo scientific merit review in November 2026, followed by advisory council review in early 2027. The earliest anticipated project start date is March 2027, with a required project period of five years. Awards are expected to support multiple centers, with total program funding allocated across several recipients. This opportunity is not recurring and represents a targeted initiative aligned with current federal research priorities. Overall, this funding opportunity provides substantial support for comprehensive research programs aimed at combating Valley fever through coordinated scientific efforts. It emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and integration across disciplines, with the ultimate goal of advancing vaccine development and improving public health outcomes.

Ensure strict adherence to NIH multi-project application instructions; include required clinical research component; demonstrate strong collaboration and integration across projects