The Catalyst Award for Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) Pursuing Research on HIV Comorbidities, Coinfections, and Complications, supported by various NIH institutes, provides a unique funding opportunity for early-stage researchers. This grant supports innovative and pioneering research projects that explore new scientific directions related to HIV-associated comorbidities, coinfections, and complications (CCCs). The goal is to develop creative, high-impact research that may transform the understanding or treatment of HIV-related conditions. These projects should reflect fresh scientific ideas distinct from those being pursued by the investigator's current research program. Applicants must align their proposals with the HIV/AIDS research priorities set by the NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR).

The scope of this funding opportunity includes studies on the mechanistic understanding of how HIV influences the development of various CCCs, including cardiovascular disease, cancers, metabolic disorders, and infections such as tuberculosis and hepatitis. Investigators are encouraged to explore how HIV-specific biological mechanisms or antiretroviral therapy (ART) contribute to the development of these conditions, focusing on innovative hypotheses that challenge current paradigms. The research can cover a broad range of topics, such as identifying new therapeutic targets or understanding the interactions between HIV and other pathogens.

The Catalyst Award provides up to $350,000 in direct costs per year for a maximum project period of five years. Projects can include mechanistic clinical studies, but trials that focus on clinical efficacy, effectiveness, or safety will not be supported. NIH institutes participating in this funding opportunity include NIDDK, NHLBI, NICHD, and NCI. Each institute has defined its own research priorities within the scope of HIV CCCs. For example, the NIDDK emphasizes mechanistic studies involving metabolic disorders and liver diseases in the context of HIV, while the NHLBI is interested in exploring how HIV infection interacts with heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders. The NICHD focuses on research relevant to vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children, while the NCI encourages cancer-related studies on HIV patients.

Eligible applicants must be Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) holding an independent research position in the U.S., and must commit at least 33% of their time (four person-months per year) to the research supported by the award. This is a highly competitive award designed for single-PI projects only. Institutions may submit multiple applications if each project is scientifically distinct. Investigators should submit applications electronically through NIH's ASSIST system, Grants.gov, or their institution’s system-to-system solutions. The submission deadlines are September 1, 2023, May 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025, with reviews conducted in November and awards starting in April of the following year.

Reviewers will focus on the significance and innovation of the proposed research, the investigator’s evidence of creativity, and the distinctiveness of the new research direction from the PI's ongoing work. Strong proposals will demonstrate high risk/high reward potential with the possibility of opening new avenues of research in HIV-associated CCCs. Standard NIH grants policies, including those on data sharing and human subjects research, will apply.

This funding opportunity is a rare chance for early-career researchers to pursue novel and groundbreaking research in the field of HIV-associated complications. Investigators should ensure their proposals are aligned with the specific priorities of the participating NIH institutes to maximize their chances of success.