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

The AIDS Research Center on Mental Health and HIV/AIDS (P30 Clinical Trial Optional) is a forecasted federal funding opportunity issued by the National Institutes of Health within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, specifically through the National Institute of Mental Health. This program is part of a broader federal effort to advance scientific understanding and public health responses to HIV/AIDS, particularly as it intersects with mental health. The funding mechanism supports the development and operation of specialized research centers designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and dissemination of high-impact findings across multiple disciplines. The primary purpose of this opportunity is to support the NIMH HIV/AIDS Research Centers program, which includes both Developmental AIDS Research Centers and full AIDS Research Centers. These centers are expected to build coordinated infrastructure that enables interdisciplinary research spanning basic science, neuro-HIV, behavioral and social sciences, clinical research, translational science, implementation science, and data science. The initiative emphasizes the integration of multiple scientific domains to accelerate progress and improve outcomes related to HIV/AIDS and mental health. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support the establishment and enhancement of collaborative research environments. Allowable uses include infrastructure development, coordination of research activities, and support for scientific collaboration across institutions and sectors. The program encourages partnerships with academic institutions, community organizations, government agencies, industry partners, and other research networks. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement specified for this funding opportunity, reducing financial barriers for applicants and allowing greater focus on scientific and collaborative merit. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entity types such as public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations, small businesses, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, and other entities including federal agencies and regional or community-based organizations. This wide eligibility scope reflects the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and diverse institutional participation. The application process is not yet open, as this is a forecasted opportunity intended to give potential applicants time to prepare strong and responsive proposals. Applications, when solicited, will need to align with key federal strategies including the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, the NIH Office of AIDS Research Strategic Plan, and the NIMH Strategic Plan for HIV research. While specific application components are not yet detailed, applicants can expect to submit comprehensive research plans, collaboration strategies, and infrastructure development proposals. The estimated timeline indicates that the funding opportunity will be formally posted in February 2027, with applications due by May 25, 2027. Awards are expected to be made by April 1, 2028, with project start dates aligned to that same date. Approximately three awards are anticipated, with an award ceiling of $1,500,000. The program is part of fiscal year 2028 funding and is expected to support multi-year research center activities. For inquiries, applicants are directed to contact the Division of AIDS Research via email. While no PDF guidance document is currently linked, additional details are expected to be released with the official notice of funding opportunity. This forecast provides advance notice to research teams to begin forming collaborations and preparing competitive applications in anticipation of the formal solicitation.