Centers for Structural Biology of HIV and Other Infectious Diseases (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Institutes of Health, under the Department of Health and Human Services, is soliciting applications for the Centers for Structural Biology of HIV and Other Infectious Diseases (RFA-AI-28-031). This funding opportunity seeks to establish multidisciplinary consortia of structural biologists and microbiologists to solve complex biological structures necessary for the prevention, treatment, and cure of HIV and other infectious diseases. The program emphasizes the use of advanced experimental approaches, including hybrid imaging, artificial intelligence, protein design, and dynamic computational modeling. NIAID intends to commit 33 million dollars in FY 2028, with individual application budgets not expected to exceed 3.5 million dollars in direct costs. The program is structured around a cooperative agreement requiring several functional components: an Administrative Core, a Workforce Development Core, two to four Scientific Cores, and three Research Projects. A Service and Resource Core is required for Infectious Disease Centers but prohibited for HIV Centers. Applications will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, relevance to program priorities, and the availability of funds, with a specific focus on multidisciplinary integration and innovation. Clinical trials are not allowed under this notice. Applicants must maintain active registrations in the System for Award Management and eRA Commons, and all Principal Investigators must have a linked ORCID ID. Required documentation includes a Data Management and Sharing Plan, a Resource Sharing Plan, and letters of institutional support. Strict cybersecurity requirements are in place, including multifactor authentication and a 48-hour incident notification window. The response deadline for this solicitation is May 28, 2027.