The HIV Prevention and Alcohol (R34 Clinical Trials Optional) funding opportunity, issued by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), supports research that integrates HIV prevention interventions with an understanding of alcohol use and its associated risks. This grant aims to design studies that inform the planning and implementation of subsequent clinical trials to reduce HIV incidence among alcohol-impacted populations. Targeted populations include those with episodic or long-term alcohol use, particularly in high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, commercial sex workers, and others in high-prevalence areas.

Eligible projects should address barriers posed by alcohol use to existing prevention strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and treatment as prevention (TasP). Areas of interest include developing new prevention methods, optimizing intervention delivery through innovative technologies, and tailoring strategies to specific settings or populations. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes, such as adherence to preventive measures, reduction in alcohol-related risky behaviors, and integration of HIV prevention into alcohol treatment programs.

The grant offers funding up to $450,000 in direct costs over three years, with a maximum of $225,000 in any single year. Between two and four awards are anticipated, subject to NIH appropriations. Applications are accepted through May 7, 2026, with reviews and awards occurring in cycles. Eligible applicants include U.S. and foreign higher education institutions, nonprofits, local governments, tribal entities, and for-profit organizations, among others. Foreign entities and collaborations are encouraged to apply.

Applications must outline a clear project narrative, including the significance of the research, methodological rigor, feasibility, and a robust data-sharing plan. Proposals should emphasize innovation, addressing health disparities, and employing adaptive trial designs where appropriate. Applicants must complete registrations in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons to ensure eligibility.

Review criteria focus on the importance of the research, scientific rigor, feasibility, and the qualifications of the investigators. Additional considerations include protections for human subjects, ethical compliance, and alignment with NIH goals to address health disparities. Successful applications will undergo peer review, followed by Advisory Council evaluation, before funding decisions are made.

Post-award requirements include regular performance and financial reporting, compliance with NIH policies, and data sharing through the NIH Data Archive. For assistance, applicants may contact NIAAA program officers or utilize Grants.gov resources.