SAIL HIV SWG Collaboration Awards

The Third Coast Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) will release an RFA for $30,000 pilot awards to stimulate collaborative, multidisciplinary research on HIV and accelerated aging in March 2026. 

The competition will be led by the center’s Slowing Aging Across the Lifespan for Persons Living with HIV Scientific Working Group (SAIL HIV SWG).  The focus of the SAIL HIV SWG is to catalyze innovative research that helps people living with HIV (PLWH) undergo healthy aging – or living longer, and healthier lives.

• • Foster multidisciplinary collaborations between HIV researchers and aging experts 
  • Generate preliminary data that positions teams to submit competitive proposals for NIH grants addressing healthspan extension in PLWH 
  • Leverage local resources such as existing clinical specimens and/or data and renowned experts in HIV and geroscience based at Third Coast CFAR institutions (Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Rush University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago) 

• • Propose a new research project that is distinct from ongoing work and is shovel ready
  • Eligible topics include:
    • • Mechanisms of accelerated biological aging and elevated comorbidity burden in PLWH
      • Interventions to enhance healthspan (e.g., geroprotectors, lifestyle modifications)
      • Implementation strategies for integrating aging-focused care into HIV services
  • A clear plan on how the team will respond to future NIH NOFOs related to HIV and aging or application to the CFAR Development Core for a traditional pilot award
  • Community partners should be included in projects where intervention development or delivery are the focus

• • Projects must be led by two MPIs. Both MPIs must be Third Coast CFAR faculty members (i.e. PI-eligible investigators at NU, UC, Rush, or UIC).
  • MPIs must have complementary, synergistic areas of expertise and represent a new collaboration or a new research direction. Investigators who have already led an NIH grant together as MPIs are not eligible for this mechanism.
  • Priority will be given to applications where at least one MPI is either: a new investigator (i.e., not yet had an R01 or equivalent award); or an R01-funded investigator from another field who is new to HIV research.

• • Mechanistic preclinical analyses
  • Stakeholder engagement (community members, clinicians, policymakers)
  • Analysis of existing data and specimens

• • Up to $30,000 in direct costs. Awards by will be funded by the CFAR P30 or university commitments to the center.
  • Brief concept proposal is due to SAIL HIV SWG Co-Directors, Drs. Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo and Ryan Ross, by 5/1/2026
  • Project period: Maximum of 10 months (shorter timelines are encouraged)
  • Full application deadline: 6/15/2026
  • Earliest start date: 8/1/2026
  • Projects must have regulatory approvals (IRB, IACUC) in place in order to be prioritized for funding

All applicants will be required to meet with SAIL HIV SWG leadership before submitting a full proposal.  The consultation will ensure the proposed project is eligible, feasible in the allowed timeline, and aligns with the SWG’s goals. The consultation will also help teams understand each required component and determine the most efficient way to develop the application.

A full RFA for SAIL HIV SWG Collaboration Awards will be released in March 2026.