Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 069
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" (PAR-21-069) supports exploratory, early-stage research that sits at the crossroads of HIV science and the science of aging. It uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is designed for high-impact ideas that may be earlier in development and can be pursued with little or no preliminary data. The intent is to help investigators test new concepts, generate initial evidence, and open up fresh research directions related to how people with HIV experience aging, and how modern aging research can improve HIV prevention, care, and long-term health outcomes.
The FOA is organized around two main objectives. First, it seeks to improve understanding of aging itself by studying it through the lens of HIV infection and HIV treatment. That includes biological aging processes (for example, immune function, inflammation, cellular and molecular pathways), clinical aging outcomes (such as frailty, cognitive change, cardiovascular or metabolic risk), and socio-behavioral dimensions of aging (including mental health, stigma, social support, functional status, and health behaviors). The second objective flips the perspective: it encourages applicants to take what is known from aging science and apply it to improve HIV-related strategies. This can include better approaches for HIV testing, prevention, and treatment, as well as improved management of HIV-related comorbidities, co-infections, and other complications that can become more common or more complex with age. Importantly, the FOA highlights relevance across different populations and cultural settings, signaling interest in work that accounts for diversity in geography, culture, healthcare access, and lived experience.
Because the activity code is R21, the opportunity is especially aligned with multidisciplinary projects that are innovative, potentially higher risk, and aimed at establishing proof-of-concept rather than completing a fully mature research program. The "Clinical Trial Optional" designation means applicants may propose studies that include clinical trials, but they are not required to do so. In practice, this can accommodate a broad range of designs, from mechanistic and observational studies to pilot interventions, depending on what best fits the question and the maturity of the proposed approach.
The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant and is tied to multiple CFDA numbers (93.121, 93.393, 93.396, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.866), reflecting the cross-institute, cross-topic nature of HIV and aging research at NIH. The listed award ceiling is $200,000, which typically refers to a cap on direct costs per year for many R21 opportunities (applicants should still confirm the specific budget rules in the full FOA text and any NIH policy updates). The original closing date provided is 2024-01-07, and the FOA record shows a creation date of 2020-11-23.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. domestic organizations: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other Native American tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly calls out a wide set of "other eligible applicants," emphasizing inclusion of institutions and organizations that serve populations historically underrepresented in research or disproportionately affected by HIV. These include 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, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, tribal governments that are not federally recognized, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This breadth suggests NIH is encouraging proposals that are both scientifically rigorous and grounded in real-world contexts, including community-engaged or internationally relevant research where appropriate.
In practical terms, a competitive application under this FOA would clearly connect HIV and aging in a way that advances at least one of the two overarching goals: either using HIV to sharpen the scientific understanding of aging, or using aging science to improve HIV prevention, treatment, and long-term management of comorbidities and complications. Strong proposals will typically justify why the question is timely, why an R21 exploratory approach is appropriate, how the multidisciplinary team and methods fit the problem, and how findings could lead to larger, more definitive studies or scalable interventions in the future.Apply for PAR 21 069
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, food and nutrition, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (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): 93.121, 93.393, 93.396, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, 93.866.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2020-11-23.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-01-07. (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 $200,000.00 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.
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FAQs: Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) (PAR-21-069)
What is the goal of this NIH funding opportunity?
This opportunity supports exploratory, early-stage research at the intersection of HIV science and the science of aging. The emphasis is on testing new concepts, generating initial evidence, and opening new research directions related to how people with HIV experience aging, and how aging research can strengthen HIV prevention, care, and long-term health outcomes.
What is the funding opportunity title and number?
The opportunity is titled "Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)" and the FOA number is PAR-21-069.
What grant mechanism does this opportunity use?
It uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is designed for exploratory, high-impact projects that may be at an earlier stage of development and can be pursued with little or no preliminary data.
Is this intended for exploratory or mature research programs?
This FOA is especially aligned with exploratory and potentially higher-risk projects focused on proof-of-concept rather than completing a fully mature research program.
Are clinical trials required?
No. The FOA is labeled "Clinical Trial Optional," meaning applicants may propose studies that include clinical trials, but they are not required to do so.
What kinds of study designs does "Clinical Trial Optional" allow?
Based on the description provided, this designation can accommodate a broad range of designs, including mechanistic studies, observational studies, and pilot interventions, depending on the research question and how developed the approach is.
What are the two main objectives of the FOA?
The FOA is organized around two main objectives: (1) improving understanding of aging by studying it through the lens of HIV infection and HIV treatment, and (2) applying findings and approaches from aging science to improve HIV-related strategies such as testing, prevention, treatment, and management of comorbidities and complications.
What does it mean to study aging "through the lens of HIV"?
It means using HIV infection and HIV treatment as a context to learn more about aging processes and outcomes. The FOA description highlights biological aging processes, clinical aging outcomes, and socio-behavioral dimensions of aging as areas of interest.
What biological aging topics are mentioned as relevant?
Examples listed include immune function, inflammation, and cellular and molecular pathways related to biological aging.
What clinical aging outcomes are mentioned as relevant?
Examples listed include frailty, cognitive change, and cardiovascular or metabolic risk.
What socio-behavioral dimensions of aging are mentioned as relevant?
Examples listed include mental health, stigma, social support, functional status, and health behaviors.
What does it mean to apply aging science to improve HIV strategies?
It means taking what is known from modern aging research and using it to improve HIV testing, prevention, and treatment, as well as improving management of HIV-related comorbidities, co-infections, and other complications that may become more common or more complex with age.
Does the FOA emphasize multidisciplinary research?
Yes. The opportunity is described as especially aligned with multidisciplinary projects that are innovative and aimed at establishing proof-of-concept.
Does the FOA encourage diversity in populations and settings?
Yes. The description highlights relevance across different populations and cultural settings, and signals interest in work that accounts for diversity in geography, culture, healthcare access, and lived experience.
What is the maximum award amount listed for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $200,000. The description notes this typically refers to a cap on direct costs per year for many R21 opportunities, and applicants are advised to confirm specific budget rules in the full FOA text and any NIH policy updates.
What type of grant is this categorized as?
It is categorized as a discretionary grant.
Which CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?
The FOA is tied to multiple CFDA numbers: 93.121, 93.393, 93.396, 93.846, 93.847, 93.853, and 93.866.
What do multiple CFDA numbers imply about the opportunity?
The description indicates that multiple CFDA numbers reflect the cross-institute and cross-topic nature of HIV and aging research at NIH.
What was the closing date listed for the opportunity?
The original closing date provided is 2024-01-07.
When was the FOA record created?
The FOA record shows a creation date of 2020-11-23.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of U.S. domestic organizations, such as state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; other Native American tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses.
Are organizations serving historically underrepresented or disproportionately affected populations explicitly encouraged?
Yes. The FOA explicitly calls out a range of other eligible applicants, emphasizing inclusion of institutions and organizations that serve populations historically underrepresented in research or disproportionately affected by HIV.
Which types of serving institutions are specifically mentioned?
The description lists 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), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Are community-based or faith-based organizations eligible?
Yes. The FOA description specifically includes faith-based or community-based organizations among other eligible applicants.
Are U.S. territories or possessions eligible?
Yes. The description includes U.S. territories or possessions among other eligible applicants.
Are tribal governments that are not federally recognized eligible?
Yes. The description explicitly includes tribal governments that are not federally recognized.
Are non-U.S. entities allowed to apply?
Yes. The FOA description includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) among the other eligible applicants.
What characteristics would a competitive application typically demonstrate?
Based on the description provided, a competitive application would clearly connect HIV and aging to advance at least one of the two overarching goals, justify why the question is timely, explain why an R21 exploratory approach is appropriate, show how a multidisciplinary team and methods fit the problem, and describe how findings could lead to larger, more definitive studies or scalable interventions.
Does the FOA require that projects address both objectives?
The description frames two overarching goals and indicates that projects should advance at least one of them (either using HIV to sharpen understanding of aging or using aging science to improve HIV strategies). It does not state that both must be addressed.
How should applicants align their proposal with the R21 intent?
The description suggests aligning with R21 by focusing on innovation and proof-of-concept, potentially higher-risk ideas, and projects that can move the field forward by generating initial evidence and setting up future larger studies.
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| HIV-associated Non-Communicable Diseases Research at Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 21 246 Funding Number: PAR 21 246 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HEAL Initiative: Advancing Health Equity in Pain Management (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA NS 22 002 Funding Number: RFA NS 22 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovations for Healthy Living - Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R43/R44 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MD 22 004 Funding Number: RFA MD 22 004 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Education Program on Translational Devices (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 22 146 Funding Number: PAR 22 146 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Interventions that Address Structural Racism to Reduce Kidney Health Disparities - (U01 - Clinical Trial Required) Apply for RFA DK 22 014 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 014 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Interventions that Address Structural Racism to Reduce Kidney Health Disparities Research Coordinating Center (U24 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 22 015 Funding Number: RFA DK 22 015 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Interventions that Address Structural Racism to Reduce Kidney Health Disparities Research Coordinating Center (U24 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA DK 23 003 Funding Number: RFA DK 23 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Centers for AIDS Research (P30 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 23 116 Funding Number: PAR 23 116 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Developmental Centers for AIDS Research (P30 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 23 117 Funding Number: PAR 23 117 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| HIV-associated Non-Communicable Diseases Research at Low- and Middle-Income Country Institutions (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 23 191 Funding Number: PAR 23 191 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Interventions for Stigma Reduction to Improve HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment and Care in Low- and Middle- Income Countries (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 23 190 Funding Number: PAR 23 190 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 24 091 Funding Number: PAR 24 091 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 24 092 Funding Number: PAR 24 092 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovations for Healthy Living - Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R43/R44 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for RFA MD 24 006 Funding Number: RFA MD 24 006 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| NIAID, NIDDK, NIDA, and NIAAA Research Opportunities for New and "At-Risk" Investigators (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 25 249 Funding Number: PA 25 249 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 25 354 Funding Number: PAR 25 354 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Multidisciplinary Studies of HIV/AIDS and Aging (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 25 355 Funding Number: PAR 25 355 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Short Courses on Innovative Methodologies and Approaches in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R25 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA OD 25 003 Funding Number: RFA OD 25 003 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Food and Nutrition, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
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