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NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (DP1)

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

Funds high-risk, high-reward research on HIV prevention, diagnosis or treatment in people who use substances or have a substance use disorder.

NIH runs a small set of awards for people, not just projects — betting on a scientist's potential rather than a fully worked-out plan. This notice is that bet, aimed specifically at HIV and substance use.

What it funds is innovative basic, clinical, translational, and implementation science research relevant to HIV and substance use. The explicit target is high risk, high impact, transformative w

High risk, high impact, transformative basic, clinical, translational and implementation science research advancing HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and virus suppression in people who use substances or have a substance use disorder, funded as an individual-investigator award. Clinical trials are optional.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.25 Sept 2028
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: PAR-27-026Source: www.grants.gov