Tuberculosis Research Units (P01 Clinical Trial Optional)

The Tuberculosis Research Units (TBRUs) grant is a forthcoming opportunity from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This opportunity is forecasted under the opportunity number FOR-AI-26-002 and is slated to support multidisciplinary research initiatives aimed at advancing the scientific understanding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and its interactions with human hosts. This funding initiative will be executed under the P01 grant activity code and is intended to foster collaborative research networks. The central objective is to improve comprehension of Mtb-host interactions by exploring the heterogeneity in both bacteria and host responses. Research will focus on infection outcomes, disease progression, and the determinants that influence the establishment, dissemination, and various stages of tuberculosis disease. The total anticipated program funding is $10,000,000, with an expected number of five awards. While exact award ceilings and floors are not yet disclosed, the absence of a cost-sharing or matching requirement simplifies access for eligible applicants. Projects are expected to start on July 1, 2026, with applications being accepted starting around September 8, 2025, and due by November 7, 2025. Awards are scheduled to be made by July 1, 2026. Eligible applicants for this opportunity include a broad range of organizations such as federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state and local governments, small businesses, for-profit and nonprofit organizations (including those with 501(c)(3) status), independent school districts, public and private higher education institutions, and public housing authorities. Although this is a forecasted grant and not yet open for applications, it is being announced early to give prospective applicants ample time to prepare competitive proposals and establish collaborative partnerships. The announcement underscores a strong encouragement for team science and multi-investigator applications that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the research goals. For further information, interested parties can contact Dr. Richard T. Robinson of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at 202-607-8565 or via email at richard.robinson@nih.gov.

Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing collaborations and project concepts now in anticipation of the formal NOFO release.