The NIH’s Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Interdisciplinary Research Units (CARBIRUs) program, managed by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), seeks to support multidisciplinary research to address and mitigate antibiotic resistance. This reissued funding opportunity focuses on innovative research to uncover prevention, diagnostic, and treatment methods targeting antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. CARBIRUs bring together interdisciplinary teams to tackle significant knowledge gaps and advance fundamental discoveries for translation into effective treatment and prevention strategies. Key program goals emphasize a holistic approach to research on antibiotic resistance, fostering collaboration between public, private, and commercial institutions to tackle urgent threats posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Each CARBIRU is required to center on a common research theme addressing antibiotic resistance issues among specific bacterial pathogens, including Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, MRSA, VRE, and drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, among others. Proposed themes may cover topics such as novel resistance mechanisms, bacterial-host interactions, the role of the microbiome, or new therapeutic targets. Importantly, projects should focus on innovative discovery and early developmental research rather than preclinical development of established therapeutic candidates. Each CARBIRU must incorporate at least two and no more than four research projects supported by an Administrative Core and up to three optional Scientific Cores, fostering collaborative efforts across distinct scientific fields.

The anticipated budget for each award is up to $1.5 million in direct costs annually, with a total project period of up to five years. NIAID plans to commit $10 million in fiscal year 2026 to support approximately 4-5 awards. Applications are expected to propose budgets based on actual project needs, and the scope of work should align with the five-year project maximum. CARBIRU teams should consist of a range of experts in fields such as microbiology, immunology, high-throughput drug screening, and computational biology, who will collectively tackle complex antibiotic resistance challenges.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, government entities, and foreign institutions. Organizations are encouraged to assemble diverse research teams capable of bridging scientific disciplines, with additional collaboration expected between CARBIRUs to maximize synergy and shared discoveries. Additionally, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations and foreign entities are eligible to apply, fostering global collaboration in addressing antibiotic resistance.

The application requires several components, including an Overall Project, Administrative Core, optional Scientific Core(s), and Research Project components. Each component has specified page limits and should adhere strictly to guidelines outlined in the NIH Multi-Project (M) Application Guide. Applications must include a Data Management and Sharing Plan, and each project must clearly delineate the role of the Administrative and Scientific Cores. A detailed management plan for the Administrative Core is essential, outlining team coordination, oversight, and a clear process for tracking project progress and addressing potential issues.

Applications are reviewed based on scientific merit, innovation, approach, and investigator expertise. Reviewers will assess the degree of collaboration and synergy among research components, the strategic integration of multidisciplinary approaches, and the potential for the project to contribute significantly to combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, NIAID will prioritize applications that demonstrate robust and well-coordinated program management, as well as a clear vision for how the proposed CARBIRU can meaningfully advance research in antibiotic resistance.

The application deadline is March 26, 2025, with an earliest start date anticipated in March 2026. Prospective applicants should submit a letter of intent 30 days prior to the due date, detailing key project personnel, institutions, and a project description. Following submission, applications will undergo scientific review by the NIAID, with funding decisions based on peer review, program priorities, and available funds. The anticipated five-year funding will enable CARBIRUs to make substantial contributions to the understanding and mitigation of antibiotic resistance, addressing a critical global health threat.