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Grant

Avant Garde/Avenir Awards for Investigators Conducting High Risk/High Reward Research on HIV and Substance Use (or Substance Use Disorders) (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)

Nationwide

About

The purpose of this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) is to support innovative basic, clinical, translational, and implementation science research relevant to HIV and substance use. This initiative encourages high risk high impact transformative studies that advance knowledge and strategies for HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and virus suppression in people who use substances and/or have a substance use disorder.

The Avant Garde/Avenir Awards for Investigators Conducting High Risk/High Reward Research on HIV and Substance Use (or Substance Use Disorders) is a prestigious federal funding opportunity designed to support innovative researchers pursuing transformative studies in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and virus suppression among people who use substances or have substance use disorders. This program is ideal for investigators ready to take bold, unconventional approaches to critical public health challenges. The initiative welcomes basic, clinical, translational, and implementation science research that demonstrates high risk but exceptional potential for impact. Researchers from academic institutions, medical centers, and research organizations nationwide—including foreign organizations and international collaborators—are encouraged to apply. If you're an investigator with groundbreaking ideas that challenge conventional thinking in HIV and substance use research, this award recognizes and funds the kind of high-impact work that can reshape the field. The program's emphasis on innovation and transformative science makes it an excellent fit for researchers seeking substantial support to pursue their most ambitious research visions.

Funding Facts

● Applications open

Deadline

September 25, 2028

Who can apply

City or township governmentsPrivate institutions of higher educationNonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the I...Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information o...Small businessesPublic housing authorities/Indian housing authorities+9 more
Apply on Grants.gov

Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov

Grant Details

Funding Range

Varies by cycle

Deadline

2028-09-25

Grant Type

federal

Application Cycle

Annual deadline (September 25, 2028)

Best For

Innovative researchers pursuing high-risk, high-reward studies in HIV and substance use research

Eligibility

Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/Foreign Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Avant Garde/Avenir Awards for Investigators Conducting High Risk/High Reward Research on HIV and Substance Use (or Substance Use Disorders) (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)?

Eligibility includes domestic U.S. organizations and foreign organizations. Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations and foreign components as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement are also eligible to apply. For complete eligibility requirements, including specific institutional and investigator qualifications, refer to Section III of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the official NIH website.

How much funding does Avant Garde/Avenir Awards for Investigators Conducting High Risk/High Reward Research on HIV and Substance Use (or Substance Use Disorders) (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional) provide?

Specific funding amounts are not listed in the current program information. Award amounts typically vary based on the research proposal and funding cycle. Contact the administering NIH institute or check the official NOFO for current funding levels and budget guidelines.

How do I apply for Avant Garde/Avenir Awards for Investigators Conducting High Risk/High Reward Research on HIV and Substance Use (or Substance Use Disorders) (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional)?

Applications are submitted through the NIH electronic submission system (eRA Commons/grants.nih.gov). Applicants must prepare a competitive research proposal demonstrating high risk and high reward potential in HIV and substance use research. Detailed application instructions, required forms, and submission guidelines are available in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the NIH website. The next deadline is September 25, 2028.

What can Avant Garde/Avenir Awards for Investigators Conducting High Risk/High Reward Research on HIV and Substance Use (or Substance Use Disorders) (DP1 Clinical Trial Optional) funding be used for?

Funding supports innovative basic, clinical, translational, and implementation science research relevant to HIV and substance use. Projects may focus on HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and virus suppression in people who use substances or those with substance use disorders. Proposed research should represent transformative approaches with potential for significant impact on the field.

Last updated: July 5, 2026