Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Network (IDCTN)
Can you apply?
This grant is for academic medical centers and clinical research institutions conducting infectious disease clinical trials. Applicants must have institutional infrastructure to support multi-site clinical research networks. Eligible organizations include NIH-funded research institutions, medical schools, and hospitals with infectious disease programs. Research must address infectious disease treatment, prevention, or diagnosis through clinical trial methodology. International collaboration is permitted when scientifically justified.
Key dates
- Nov 18, 2025 Applications open
- Jun 11, 2026 Application deadline in 9 days
- Mar 1, 2027 Award announced
- Mar 1, 2027 Project start
This grant is for academic medical centers and clinical research institutions conducting infectious disease clinical trials. Applicants must have institutional infrastructure to support multi-site clinical research networks. Eligible organizations include NIH-funded research institutions, medical schools, and hospitals with infectious disease programs. Research must address infectious disease treatment, prevention, or diagnosis through clinical trial methodology. International collaboration is permitted when scientifically justified.
Program description
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks to advance its mission by supporting a cooperative network to rapidly implement clinical trials that meet NIH and NIAID priorities. The network, comprised of the Clinical Trial Evaluation Units (CTEUs) and a Network Coordination Center (NCC), supports the evaluation of therapeutics, vaccines, biologics, diagnostics, and devices targeting infectious diseases, including emerging and chronic infections. The initiative gives the NIH the capabilities to conduct clinical trials and studies for public health priorities, where the timelines of a standard, unsolicited grant would not adequately address the needs of the United States population. The CTEUs provide the clinical infrastructure for implementing the clinical trials and studies. The NCC, comprised of leaders from the CTEUs in collaboration with NIAID, provides the administrative and organizational framework of the network, engages with experts in the field to solicit and generate innovative concepts for advancing public health while mentoring the next generation of clinical trialists. Grant authorities that allow NIAID to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- HBCU
- Hospital
- HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution)
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for academic medical centers and clinical research institutions conducting infectious disease clinical trials. Applicants must have institutional infrastructure to support multi-site clinical research networks. Eligible organizations include NIH-funded research institutions, medical schools, and hospitals with infectious disease programs. Research must address infectious disease treatment, prevention, or diagnosis through clinical trial methodology. International collaboration is permitted when scientifically justified.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R)
- Project Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (NIH format)
- Institutional Support Letters
- Data Safety Monitoring Plan
- IRB Approval or Conditional Approval
- Letters of Collaboration from Partner Sites
- Facilities and Resources Documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Marina S. Lee, Ph.D.
- 📧 dmidclinicaltrials@niaid.nih.gov
- 📞 240-627-3304
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.855 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$438,527,853
-
$246,626,852
-
$204,359,786
-
$201,437,825
-
$200,221,259
-
$185,816,804
-
$180,737,624
-
$136,265,880
-
$116,817,868
-
$99,478,296
Top States by Funding
- CA 10 awards $812.7M
- WA 3 awards $684.0M
- MA 6 awards $602.8M
- NC 3 awards $446.4M
- NY 7 awards $375.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.855). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $4,073,812,529 | |
| 2025 | $4,378,235,639 | |
| 2026 est. | $4,299,426,996 |
FAQ
Who can apply for IDCTN funding?
Academic medical centers, NIH-funded research institutions, teaching hospitals, and organizations with established infectious disease research programs. Applicants must demonstrate institutional capacity for clinical trials.
What types of infectious diseases are supported?
The network funds clinical trials for emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, HIV/AIDS, and other serious infectious pathogens. Proposals should address unmet clinical needs.
Is multi-site collaboration required?
Yes, this is a network program designed for collaborative, multi-institutional clinical trials. Single-site applications are unlikely to be competitive.
What is the typical funding level?
Funding varies by project complexity and network size. Budget periods are typically multi-year with specific budget justifications required.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. Applicants should have strong preliminary data, experienced research teams, and clear regulatory approval pathways.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly articulate the public health significance of your proposed infectious disease research question.
- Emphasize your institution's track record in conducting multi-site clinical trials successfully.
- Develop a realistic timeline for patient recruitment, enrollment, and follow-up with contingency plans.
- Include detailed letters of collaboration from all participating sites showing commitment and resources.
- Address regulatory and safety considerations thoroughly, including Data Safety Monitoring Board plans.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating infrastructure requirements for multi-site coordination. Proposing infectious disease research without clear clinical trial endpoint definitions. Failing to address how the network will achieve competitive recruitment timelines.
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