The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is offering a funding opportunity titled "Exploratory Studies to Investigate Mechanisms of HIV infection, Replication, Latency, and/or Pathogenesis in the Context of Substance Use Disorders" through the R01 Research Project Grant. This initiative aims to support innovative and high-risk studies that explore the molecular mechanisms linking HIV and substance use disorders (SUDs), with a focus on advancing understanding of HIV dynamics within the Central Nervous System (CNS). The total estimated program funding is $2 million for fiscal year 2026, with the potential to support up to three awards, and applications must include clear milestones and human or primate studies. Interested applicants should note that the deadline for submitting letters of intent and applications is July 14, 2025, and no clinical trials are permitted under this grant. For further inquiries, applicants can contact NIH Grants Information at grantsinfo@nih.gov.