HIV-associated Non-Communicable Diseases Research at Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

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Description

This NIH funding opportunity supports exploratory and developmental research (R21 mechanism) focused on HIV-associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The program aims to:

• Advance locally relevant research in critical areas of HIV-associated NCDs at LMIC institutions.
• Enhance research capacity and infrastructure at LMIC sites.
• Foster interdisciplinary and international research networks to address the burden of NCDs among people living with HIV (PLWH).
• Stimulate new research on the interplay between HIV and NCDs, including the impact of HIV infection on the development, progression, and management of NCDs.

Research may address basic science, diagnostics, therapeutics, behavioral, and clinical aspects, and should align with NIH HIV/AIDS Research Priorities and NOT-OD-20-018.

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Due Dates

• Letter of Intent: November 7, 2025
• AIDS Application Due Date: December 8, 2025

All applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization. Letters of intent are encouraged but not required.

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Funding Amount

• Total Direct Costs: Up to $275,000 for the two-year project period.
• Annual Limit: No more than $150,000 in direct costs in any single year.
• Project Duration: Up to 2 years.
• Budget Justification: The budget must reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.

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Eligibility

• Eligible Institutions:

  • Public and private higher education institutions (U.S. and non-U.S.)
  • Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status)
  • For-profit organizations (including small businesses)
  • State, county, city, township, and special district governments
  • Tribal governments and organizations
  • Regional organizations
  • Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (restricted to LMICs as defined by the World Bank)
  • U.S. territory or possession

• Key Requirements:

  • Applications must be collaborative, involving both a U.S. investigator and an LMIC investigator.
  • The research must be conducted at LMIC sites.
  • Non-U.S. high-income country institutions are not eligible as primary partners but may participate as consultants.
  • Hong Kong-based institutions are not eligible as primary LMIC partners.

• Individuals: Any individual(s) with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research as PD(s)/PI(s) may apply.

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Application Process

• Submission: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov, NIH ASSIST, or an institutional system-to-system solution.
• Required Registrations: Applicant organizations must be registered with SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons.
• Letter of Intent: Should include project title, PD(s)/PI(s), key personnel, participating institutions, and the funding opportunity number. Send to Dr. Geetha P. Bansal at geetha.bansal@nih.gov.
• Application Guide: Follow the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and the specific instructions in the funding announcement.
• Research Plan: Must justify the relevance to HIV-related health outcomes in the LMIC setting and describe plans for research capacity building and collaboration.

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Additional Information

• Clinical Trials: Applications may propose clinical trials but are not required to do so (R21 Clinical Trial Optional).
• Research Focus: Projects may include basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, and implementation research on NCDs such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health, oral health, and others in the context of HIV.
• Capacity Building: Applicants must address the needs of LMIC institutions for research capacity development.
• Annual Meeting: Budget for at least one PD/PI or co-investigator to attend the annual program network meeting in Bethesda, MD.
• Data Management: All applications must include a Data Management and Sharing Plan in accordance with NIH policy.

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External Links

• Full Funding Announcement (PAR-23-191)
• NIH HIV/AIDS Research Priorities
• World Bank Country Classifications
• NIH Application Guide (SF424 R&R)
• Apply via Grants.gov

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Contact Information

For general grants information: GrantsInfo@nih.gov | 301-480-7075

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See Also

• NIH Grants Policy Statement
• NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy
• NIH R21 Activity Code Description