The NIH is making many changes in how it will solicit and award funding. One major change is it will markedly reduce the number of topic-specific RFAs (and even Program Announcements) across the board. Instead, they want applications to come in under standard Parent R01, R21 or similar funding mechanisms.
However, they have developed a list of “Highlighted Topics” that they encourage applications on. It’s less useful than the detailed RFA or PA program previously. On the other hand, since percentiles and pay lines will no longer be used, and more of the funding decisions will be driven by administrative and programmatic interests, it’s possible that these “highlighted topics” will be prioritized in final funding decisions. We want to make you aware of this change.
We also want to point out that two of the 20 currently-posted highlighted topics are HIV. One in particular to note is Implementation Science to Optimize HIV Prevention and Treatment – which we know is going to be a major funding initiative – so we definitely encourage responses to this topic. Links are below.
What Are the Differences Between Highlighted Topics and Funding Opportunities?
Implementation Science to Optimize HIV Prevention and Treatment
Advancing Prevention and Treatment of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections in HIV-Affected Populations
Full List of Highlighted Topics