Funding Opportunity for Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials (US)

Deadline: 10-Nov-26

The Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Network (IDCTN) funding opportunity supports a collaborative research network focused on evaluating interventions for emerging and chronic infectious diseases. The network is designed to provide coordinated infrastructure for clinical trials and studies, bringing together specialized Clinical Trial Evaluation Units (CTEUs) and a Network Coordination Center (NCC) to strengthen collaboration, research capacity, and the evaluation of infectious disease interventions.

About the Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Network

The Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Network aims to establish a coordinated infrastructure for evaluating interventions targeting both emerging and chronic infectious diseases. The network brings together two main components: - Clinical Trial Evaluation Units (CTEUs): Responsible for designing and implementing clinical trials and studies.

- Network Coordination Center (NCC): Provides administrative and operational support to facilitate collaboration across the network.

Together, these components are intended to create an effective structure for conducting and coordinating infectious disease clinical research. How Much Funding Is Available? The estimated total funding available for the IDCTN program is $10 million. The funding is intended to support the collaborative infrastructure and research activities necessary to evaluate interventions for emerging and chronic infectious diseases. Applicants should review the full funding announcement for specific award structures, funding periods, application requirements, and allowable costs. What Does the Network Support? The IDCTN is focused on strengthening the ability to conduct clinical trials and studies related to infectious diseases.

The network supports:

- Evaluation of interventions for emerging infectious diseases. - Evaluation of interventions for chronic infectious diseases. - Design and implementation of clinical trials. - Collaborative clinical research infrastructure. - Administrative and operational coordination. - Development of new clinical trial concepts. - Opportunities for early-career investigators. - Research experience for investigators who are new to the infectious disease clinical trials field. Role of Clinical Trial Evaluation Units The Clinical Trial Evaluation Units (CTEUs) form a central part of the IDCTN infrastructure. CTEUs are responsible for designing and implementing clinical trials and studies that evaluate interventions for infectious diseases. Through their work within the network, CTEUs contribute to generating evidence that can inform the development and evaluation of approaches to emerging and chronic infectious diseases. Role of the Network Coordination Center The Network Coordination Center (NCC) provides administrative and operational support for the IDCTN. The NCC helps ensure effective collaboration across the network and works with the CTEUs to facilitate coordinated clinical research activities. In addition to coordination, the NCC engages with field experts to solicit and generate new clinical trial concepts. This role helps the network identify promising research opportunities and develop new studies addressing important infectious disease questions. Opportunities for Early-Career Investigators An important feature of the IDCTN is its focus on developing research capacity. The NCC and CTEUs create opportunities for early-career investigators and researchers who are new to the field to gain research experience. These opportunities can help investigators develop their knowledge and experience in infectious disease clinical trials while working within a collaborative research network. The network therefore supports not only clinical research activities but also the development of the future infectious disease research workforce. What Types of Infectious Diseases Are Covered? The IDCTN addresses both emerging and chronic infectious diseases. The network’s infrastructure is intended to support the evaluation of interventions across these areas, allowing researchers to respond to changing infectious disease research needs while continuing to investigate persistent chronic infections. Who Can Apply? The funding opportunity is open to a broad range of eligible organizations and institutions.

Eligible applicant categories include:

- County governments. - Native American tribal governments that are Federally recognized. - Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. - Independent school districts. - Nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, other than institutions of higher education. - Public housing authorities. - City or township governments. - Private institutions of higher education. - Small businesses. - Special district governments. - Native American tribal organizations other than Federally recognized tribal governments. - State governments. - For-profit organizations other than small businesses. - Other eligible organizations specified in the full funding announcement. Because eligibility may depend on the specific applicant category and requirements in the complete announcement, prospective applicants should review the full funding opportunity before preparing an application. Why the IDCTN Matters Clinical trials are essential for determining whether interventions are safe and effective for infectious diseases. Emerging infections can require rapid development and evaluation of interventions, while chronic infectious diseases may require sustained research efforts to improve prevention, treatment, and disease management. The IDCTN’s coordinated structure is intended to bring together researchers, clinical trial units, experts, and supporting infrastructure so that infectious disease interventions can be evaluated through collaborative research. Key Features of the Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Network

- Program: Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Network (IDCTN)

- Purpose: Evaluate