Deadline: 07-Oct-2025
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a funding opportunity for the establishment of Tuberculosis Research Units (TBRUs) under the P01 mechanism.
These units are designed to advance research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and disease by addressing host and bacterial heterogeneity and their role in disease progression. The program aims to generate new insights that can be translated into strategies for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Successful TBRUs will be structured around an Administrative Core, at least one Scientific Core, and a minimum of two synergistic Research Projects. Each unit must combine both animal model research and clinical studies, ensuring findings are relevant across the spectrum of TB investigation. Projects may optionally include clinical trials but are not required. Emphasis will be placed on integration and collaboration across the research components to generate meaningful outcomes.
NIAID intends to commit $10 million in fiscal year 2026 to fund between four and five awards. Application budgets are expected not to exceed $1.5 million in direct costs per year, with project periods of up to five years allowed. Budgets should accurately reflect the scope and requirements of each proposed research program.
Eligibility for this program is broad, encompassing higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, small businesses, and local, tribal, and federal government entities. Eligible applicants also include independent school districts, public housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations, faith-based and community-based organizations, and regional organizations. Non-domestic entities are also eligible to apply. However, NIH has placed new restrictions on foreign collaborations: awards that involve foreign subawards or subcontracts will not be considered. While foreign entities can apply directly and U.S. organizations may include non-domestic components, projects must comply with NIH rules. Unfunded collaborations, foreign consultants, and procurement of unique foreign equipment remain permissible.
This program represents a significant opportunity to drive progress in tuberculosis research while building multidisciplinary networks that link laboratory science, clinical insights, and global collaboration. With substantial funding committed, the initiative is positioned to support impactful projects that can address one of the world’s most persistent public health challenges.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
