HIV Vaccine Research and Design (HIVRAD) Program (P01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) | PAR 24 037

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 24 037

The HIV Vaccine Research and Design (HIVRAD) Program (P01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed), Funding Opportunity Number PAR-24-037, is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) discretionary grant opportunity designed to fund coordinated, multi-component research programs focused on AIDS prophylactic vaccine discovery. The emphasis is on tackling key scientific questions that move HIV vaccine concepts forward at the discovery and preclinical stages, using a structure that supports multiple integrated projects under one overall program. Because it is a P01 mechanism, the expectation is that applicants will propose a multi-disciplinary team and a set of interrelated research components that work together toward shared vaccine discovery goals, rather than a single standalone project.

The scientific scope centers on research relevant to preventing HIV infection through vaccination (prophylactic vaccine research), with room for extensive evaluation of vaccine concepts in non-human primate models when appropriate. In practical terms, this means applicants can propose substantial preclinical testing and iterative design work, including studies that help refine immunogen design, evaluate immune responses, and compare vaccine strategies in rigorous animal model systems. At the same time, the notice clearly states "Clinical Trial Not Allowed," which signals that the funded work must not include clinical trials; the program is aimed at discovery and preclinical development rather than human efficacy or interventional clinical studies.

From an administrative standpoint, this opportunity is categorized under the Health funding activity area and is associated with CFDA number 93.855. The funding instrument is a grant, and the posted award ceiling is $2,500,000, indicating support for relatively large, complex programs consistent with the P01 format. The opportunity was created on 2023-10-04, and the original closing date listed is 2026-03-13, giving prospective applicants a defined window to plan and submit an application aligned with NIH requirements for multi-project awards.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. organizations and governments, reflecting NIH's intent to attract strong multidisciplinary teams regardless of institutional type. Eligible applicants include state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in that specific nonprofit category); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The notice also highlights additional eligible applicant categories, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, regional organizations, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This range signals that NIH is open to applications led by domestic or international institutions, as well as collaborations that bring together specialized capabilities in immunology, virology, structural biology, computational design, vaccinology, and animal model research.

Overall, PAR-24-037 supports ambitious, team-based HIV vaccine discovery programs built around multiple integrated research components, potentially including extensive non-human primate evaluation, with the clear boundary that clinical trials are not part of the allowable scope.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "HIV Vaccine Research and Design (HIVRAD) Program (P01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.855.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2023-10-04.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-03-13. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 24 037

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