The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has issued a funding opportunity announcement for the Asthma and Allergic Diseases Cooperative Research Centers (AADCRC) program under activity code U19. This program supports multidisciplinary research on asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and drug allergy to improve understanding of disease pathogenesis and develop effective treatments and prevention strategies. Applications are invited from single institutions or consortia, integrating clinical and translational research. The program focuses on mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression, leveraging innovative approaches and diverse expertise. Approximately $6.08 million in funding is allocated for 4-5 awards in FY 2026, with a project period of five years.

The AADCRC program targets significant gaps in managing asthma and allergic diseases, which affect millions in the United States. Research areas include immune responses, the microbiome, environmental factors, genetic and epigenetic influences, and therapeutic interventions such as allergen immunotherapy. Applicants can structure proposals under two models: pathway-focused research on specific immunological mechanisms or clinical studies centered on novel therapeutic hypotheses. Emphasis is placed on human subjects research, though limited animal studies may be included. The program also aims to support novel pilot clinical trials and observational studies.

Applications must include at least two research projects, an administrative core, and a data stewardship core. Optional components include clinical and scientific cores. The administrative core will manage program coordination, including oversight of the $350,000 annual Infrastructure and Opportunities Fund (IOF) for pilot projects and resource development. Collaborative governance is provided through the AADCRC Steering Committee. NIAID offers data and safety monitoring for all clinical trials and encourages integrating resources across research centers to enhance collaboration and innovation.

Eligibility is open to public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, state and local governments, tribal organizations, and certain other entities. Foreign organizations may not apply, though foreign components in U.S.-based applications are permissible. Institutions with active AADCRC awards are ineligible. Applications require compliance with NIH policies, including human subjects research guidelines, and use of NIH submission systems like ASSIST or institutional S2S solutions. Registration in SAM, eRA Commons, and Grants.gov is mandatory before submission.

The application process includes submission of a non-binding letter of intent 30 days before the application deadline. Full applications are due by June 13, 2025, with peer review in November 2025, advisory council review in January 2026, and project start dates in May 2026. Strict adherence to NIH's application guidelines and program-specific instructions is required to avoid delays or rejection.

Potential applicants are encouraged to consult NIAID staff for guidance during the preparation phase. This funding opportunity seeks to advance the field of asthma and allergic diseases through innovative research, fostering new insights into prevention and treatment. Detailed instructions, resources, and contacts are outlined in the notice for applicants seeking support.