Center for AIDS Research

DOWNLOAD THE REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS HERE

Purpose

The purpose of the Creative and Novel Ideas in Research Awards program (CNIHR) is to create a mechanism via the established Centers for AIDS Research (CFARs) to fund developmental projects to bring insight and new ideas to the HIV/AIDS field of study from early stage investigators with expertise in other disciplines.  The intent of this program is to attract both international and U.S.-based young, early stage investigators from outside the field of HIV/AIDS research to help address new questions related to emerging issues of long-term survival with HIV infection and the prevention of HIV transmission.

Eligibility

Junior investigators (i.e., who have completed their terminal research degree or medical residency within the last ten years) who are faculty (e.g. assistant professor, senior lecturer, etc.) in good standing at an academic institution or have a comparable position in an organization or institution with a primary mission of research are eligible. (See Section VI.1 in the RFA for more information about eligible organizations and institutions.)

Post-doctoral trainees are eligible to apply IF they have completed their training and have a faculty or comparable position prior to the full proposal submission deadline of February 9, 2012. A letter of intent from the investigator’s institution indicating the commitment to a faculty position by the deadline must be included in the concept proposal submission. If the applicant does not have the faculty position at the time of full proposal submission, their application will be removed from the pool as ineligible.

Researchers who have had any previous grant, contract, sub-award or publication in HIV/AIDS research are not eligible. 

Eligible Principal Investigators (PIs) include: Investigators with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed research. They can be from any relevant discipline. Eligible PIs are invited to work with their institution/organization to develop their application. Applicants may be located at a CFAR site or elsewhere.  Applicants from all countries (unless excluded because of regulations applicable to embargoed countries – see link: http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/Programs.aspx) are encouraged to apply. 

If unsure about your eligibility, first read the FAQ on the CNIHR website. If you still have questions, please contact us at info@cnihr.org. 

Types of Projects 

Research topics could include any aspect of science, but may not include clinical trials of new drugs, treatments, or devices; or off-label use of a licensed drug.  If an applicant is considering a study involving approved drugs and/or standard-of-care, the applicant is encouraged to contact the review administrator to determine whether the proposed project would be eligible for funding at info@cnihr.org.

Funding Available

Awards will be funded for 1-2 years, up to $150,000 (direct costs) per year plus applicable indirect costs.  Second year funding is contingent upon demonstration of satisfactory progress during year one. International awardees are limited to 8% IDC on the total direct costs. Additional support will be provided for each grantee and their mentor to attend the International AIDS Society conferences during their award period (e.g. XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C. in July 2012 and the IAS Conference in July 2013). Travel support will be prioritized for CFAR-affiliated mentors. Awarded funds may be used for salary, technical support, laboratory supplies, equipment, or travel to a scientific conference or other training activities.  Successful applicants will be expected to contribute at least 25% of their time to the CNIHR project. Salary support for the CNIHR effort can be budgeted in the CNIHR project or can come from another source, e.g., an institutional start-up package, etc. Generally, funds may not be used to purchase computers unless they can be justified as key to the conduct of the study (data collection, tied to equipment etc). Additionally, funds may not be used to offset losses of funding incurred through nonrenewal of grant funds or through decreases in grant funds due to across-the-board cuts. 

We anticipate making 6-12 awards.