The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) invites applications for exploratory or developmental research grants (R21) under the funding opportunity titled "Advancing HIV/AIDS Research within the Mission of the NIDCD." This opportunity seeks to stimulate innovative research in HIV/AIDS as it pertains to hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. It is designed to expand understanding of communication disorders affecting people living with HIV (PLWH) and their broader impacts on physical, emotional, and social well-being. Applications should align with NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR) priorities and address critical gaps in research and treatment.

The scope of research includes investigating the effects of acute and chronic HIV infection, as well as associated treatments, on sensory and communication functions. Priority areas include studies on the impact of HIV on hearing and communication across populations, understanding the adverse effects of HIV medications on balance and sensory functions, and elucidating the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HIV-related communication disorders. Projects aimed at developing prevention and treatment strategies for these disorders are also encouraged. Multidisciplinary collaborations and the use of existing HIV/AIDS cohorts and clinical trials are highly recommended.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, government entities, and foreign institutions. Applications must conform to the exploratory R21 mechanism, with total direct costs not exceeding $275,000 over a two-year project period. Clinical trials are optional but must be low-risk, as defined by specific criteria that exclude the need for FDA oversight or high-risk interventions.

Submissions must comply with NIH policies and the detailed instructions in the How to Apply Application Guide. All applications require a clear data management and sharing plan. Deadlines begin on May 7, 2025, and follow NIH standard due dates. Applicants must submit electronically via ASSIST, Grants.gov, or institutional systems. Applications that do not meet compliance or responsiveness requirements will not be reviewed.

The evaluation process emphasizes innovation, significance, and feasibility. Reviewers will assess the proposed research's potential to advance knowledge in communication disorders related to HIV and its alignment with NIDCD and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Investigators' expertise, the suitability of the research environment, and adherence to scientific rigor are also critical factors.

This funding opportunity supports a maximum two-year project period, with award decisions based on scientific merit, program priorities, and the availability of funds. For inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact designated scientific, financial, or application submission representatives. The expiration date for this announcement is January 8, 2028.