Avant Garde/Avenir Awards for Investigators Conducting High Risk/High Reward Research on HIV and Substance Use (or Substance Use Disorders) (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)

This NIH Avant Garde/Avenir award (DP1) seeks bold, high‑risk/high‑reward investigators to conduct innovative basic, clinical, translational, or implementation‑science research on HIV in the context of substance use or substance‑use disorders. The program encourages transformative approaches, supports early‑stage investigators, and optionally allows a clinical‑trial component. Applications are accepted from a wide range of eligible entities (universities, nonprofits, for‑profit firms, tribal governments, etc.) and must comply with NIH policies on data sharing, reporting, and ethical conduct. The award is anticipated to begin 1 April 2027, with a typical project period of up to five years, and will be funded under the DP1 activity code (NIH Director’s Pioneer Award). • Target area: HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or virus suppression among people who use substances. • Eligible applicants: U.S. and foreign organizations, including public, private, tribal, and nonprofit entities. • Funding mechanism: DP1 grant (up to ~$1.5 M per year, total award up to ~$5–7 M). • No cost‑sharing required. • Submission window: 25 Aug 2026 – 25 Sep 2028. • Estimated award date: 1 Apr 2027; project start same date. • Required deliverables: Data Management and Sharing Plan, annual RPPRs, final close‑out reports.