HIV-associated Non-Communicable Diseases Research at Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 20 030

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 20 030

The NIH funding opportunity PAR 20-030, titled "HIV-associated Non-Communicable Diseases Research at Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)," supports exploratory, locally relevant research on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people living with HIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using the NIH R21 mechanism, it is geared toward early-stage or proof-of-concept projects that can generate key preliminary data, test feasibility of new ideas, and open up future, larger lines of investigation. A central theme is strengthening research capacity within LMIC institutions and building a durable network of investigators across LMIC settings, rather than treating LMIC sites only as places to collect data.

The scientific focus is the intersection between HIV and NCDs, especially how HIV infection and its long-term management may affect the development, underlying biology (etiopathogenesis), detection, prevention, treatment, and integrated care of chronic comorbid conditions. The opportunity explicitly encourages studies that dig into the mechanisms by which HIV might shape NCD risk and progression, as well as pragmatic work to identify appropriate strategies for diagnosis and prevention and to improve therapeutic interventions and integrated clinical care models for people managing both HIV and chronic diseases. Clinical trials are allowed but not required, which gives applicants flexibility to propose observational, implementation-oriented, or mechanistic studies, or small clinical studies when justified.

Projects are expected to align with NIH HIV/AIDS Research Priorities, meaning proposals should be framed to address high-impact questions in HIV research that are consistent with NIH-wide priorities (the notice referenced in the opportunity). Research teams are expected to be genuinely interdisciplinary, bringing together HIV expertise and NCD expertise in a way that supports new joint approaches. The program emphasizes partnerships that can generate novel ideas, evaluate feasibility, and ultimately reduce long-term illness and disability associated with HIV-NCD comorbidity.

A defining feature of this announcement is its LMIC-centered structure. Research is intended to be conducted at LMIC sites, and the program asks applicants to directly address the capacity needs of collaborating LMIC institutions. In practice, that means applications should not only propose a scientific study but also describe how the collaboration will strengthen local ability to conduct HIV-NCD research, such as through training, infrastructure development, mentorship, data systems, regulatory/ethics support, or other sustainable enhancements that outlast the single project.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. and non-U.S. organizations, such as universities, nonprofits, for-profits (other than small businesses), small businesses, and multiple levels of government entities. The announcement also calls out additional eligible applicants including foreign organizations, regional organizations, community- and faith-based organizations, HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, and U.S. territories or possessions. LMIC status is determined using the World Bank country income classification (low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income) based on GNI per capita.

The collaboration model requires a linked U.S.-LMIC partnership when U.S. investigators are involved: a U.S. investigator must apply together with an LMIC investigator for collaborative projects carried out at LMIC sites. This structure is meant to ensure shared leadership and meaningful engagement with LMIC institutions, and to support both scientific outcomes and local capacity development.

From an administrative standpoint, the opportunity is a discretionary NIH grant using the R21 funding instrument. The listed award ceiling is $150,000, reflecting the smaller, exploratory nature of R21 projects. The original closing date shown in the source information is 2020-12-03, and the funding opportunity is associated with multiple CFDA numbers tied to NIH health research programs. Overall, the program is best suited for teams proposing focused, innovative studies that clarify how HIV and chronic diseases interact in LMIC contexts while simultaneously strengthening local research ecosystems and cross-country collaboration.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "HIV-associated Non-Communicable Diseases Research at Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.242, 93.393, 93.394, 93.395, 93.396, 93.399, 93.847, 93.989.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2019-10-18.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-12-03. (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 $150,000.00 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 20 030

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: