A joint pilot grant program at the intersection of HIV, diabetes, and metabolic health.
The Center for AIDS Research at Emory University (CFAR) and the Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research (GCDTR) have launched a team science initiative to advance collaborative research at the intersection of HIV, diabetes, metabolic health, and translational science.
This special focus pilot grant program supports rigorous, high-impact projects with a strong emphasis on translational science and a clear pathway to clinical and community impact. Awards of up to $50,000 direct costs for one year are available for Multiple Principal Investigator (MPI) teams.
Up to $50,000 direct costs for a project period of up to one year. No indirect costs.
Budgets prepared in NIH R&R detailed format.
MPI applications only. Each proposal must include at least two MPIs: one CFAR-affiliated and one GCDTR-affiliated investigator.
One PI must be faculty at Emory University.
Projects that address HIV-related comorbidities, co-infections, and complications—including obesity and diabetes conditions—are of particular interest. Competitive applications should demonstrate:
CFAR investigators may come from Emory University, AUCC institutions, or Georgia Tech.
GCDTR investigators may come from Emory University, Morehouse School of Medicine, or Georgia Tech.
Competitive proposals should present a clear synthesis of HIV research and obesity/metabolic clinical science, demonstrating a well-defined approach to translation across the T2–T4 spectrum.
Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF package to gcdtr@emory.edu. The following components are required:
| Component | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Cover Page | Project title; MPI names, affiliations, contact information; departmental grants administrator; and required signatures. |
| Abstract | Lay-language overview of the project, anticipated clinical or community significance, and likely impact (200 words max). |
| Specific Aims | Up to 1 page describing the central clinical or translational question, hypothesis, and specific aims. |
| Research Strategy | Up to 5 pages plus references; address significance, innovation, and approach including study design, analytic plan, feasibility, timeline, rigor and reproducibility. |
| Joint Initiative Relevance & NIH Trajectory | Up to 1 page describing how the project embodies the integrated HIV-obesity focus and positions the team for future NIH submission. |
| Community Impact Statement | Up to 1 page (lay-language) describing the project’s potential impact on people living with HIV and those affected by diabetes and metabolic inequities, including rural and urban settings. |
| Next-Stage Funding Plan | Up to 1 page identifying the most likely external funding direction, including target agency, mechanism, lead PI, and anticipated submission window. |
| MPI Leadership Plan | Up to 1 page describing roles, responsibilities, communication plan, decision-making, and conflict resolution. |
| Budget & Justification | NIH R&R detailed budget with narrative justification. Do not request indirect costs. |
| Biosketches & Letters | NIH-format biosketches for all key personnel plus letters from collaborators, sites, community partners, and any cores providing substantial support. |
Due by end of day, Friday, May 29, 2026. LOIs are required (1 page maximum) and must be submitted to gcdtr@emory.edu. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals.
Download the full RFP for complete program guidelines, or submit your Letter of Intent by May 29, 2026. For questions about team formation, contact the program administrators below.
CFAR Program Officer
Center for AIDS Research at Emory University
GCDTR Program Director
Georgia Center for Diabetes Translation Research
Investigators seeking to build interdisciplinary teams are encouraged to reach out for assistance with team formation and introductions to potential collaborators across CFAR and GCDTR networks.