To build on the Third Coast Center for AIDS Research symposium, Breakthroughs in HIV Research, on October 22, 2021, the Developmental Core calls for applications for a new funding mechanism. Collaborative Innovation Awards will support the work of teams of two or more collaborators pursuing new research questions in HIV/host biology. 

The symposium will highlight the work of investigators from multiple departments and disciplines. In the spirit of fostering new collaborations among symposium participants, these awards must be led by two or more Co-Principal Investigators. The proposed study responding to this RFA must include teams that have not currently collaborated on a project related to HIV. Expansion of a pre-existing team by adding new co-PI collaborator(s) may also be considered responsive.

Eligibility

  • All Co-PIs must be a Third Coast CFAR faculty member (i.e. in a PI-eligible position at Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, or Lurie Children’s Hospital). Trainees may play a significant role on the project, but are not eligible as a Co-PI.
  • At least one of the Co-PIs must be either: 1) a new investigator (i.e. not have led an R01 or equivalent NIH grant for HIV research); or 2) an established investigator who has not had NIH funding for HIV research.

Award

 The maximum request for direct costs is limited to $20,000.

Timeline

Projects must be “shovel-ready” and able to launch by January 2022. The CFAR suggests that applicants use the award to purchase assays, core services, and supplies, rather than supporting effort. Salary support is allowable, but will delay project set up and will not be viewed as a strength during the competitive review. Projects that would require a new IRB approval for work with human subjects are not eligible. The CFAR scientific cores can provide or help awardees identify sources for clinical specimens. All work must be completed by April 30, 2022.

  • Applications are due November 8, 2021 by 11:59 p.m.  
  • Selections will be made by November 30, 2021.
  • Anticipated funding start date is January 3, 2022
  • Work must be completed by April 30, 2022