Are you an international investigator in a resource-constrained country? Can you propose high-priority, regionally relevant infectious diseases research? If so, consider applying to the notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) International Research in Infectious Diseases (R01, Clinical Trial Not Allowed), which continues our longstanding committment to infectious diseases research abroad.
Applicant organizations must be headquartered in foreign (non-U.S.) resource-constrained countries (i.e., low-income economies, lower-middle-income economies, and upper-middle-income economies by World Bank Classification). Eligibility status of applicant organizations will be determined by the World Bank Classification list at the time of application submission.
You may propose studies on any aspect of infectious disease research (except clinical trials), including but not limited to: basic biological studies of pathogens and vectors; the epidemiology, natural history, pathogenesis, immunopathogenesis of infectious diseases; epidemiologic studies to define the incidence, clinical presentations, and outcomes of diseases; identification of resistance mechanisms and patterns; characterization of susceptible cohorts for a particular pathogen; pilot and feasibility studies in preparation for larger studies; and studies focused on the effects of climate change on the incidence, prevalence, and severity of infectious diseases.
Further Details
The scientific scope of this NOFO is sufficiently broad to cover the full range of infectious diseases research prioritized by NIAID’s Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID) and Division of AIDS (DAIDS), with the exception of clinical trials. Note that HIV/AIDS studies must address NIAID priorities as described in the Division of AIDS Overview.
While the program is open to institutions located in any foreign, resource-constrained country, we especially encourage applications from institutions located in countries classified as low- and lower-middle-income economies.
We encourage potential applicants to build collaborations, whether with U.S. institutions or other institutions within the host country or region, although this is not a requirement for funding.
To be eligible, a principal investigator must not have had (or currently have) an R01-equivalent award other than a current or expiring International Research in Infectious Diseases award.
NIAID will hold a virtual program kick-off meeting for award recipients in early 2024 and annual meetings thereafter to facilitate communication and collaboration.
Application Requirements
There is one receipt date per year: August 2, 2023; August 2, 2024; and August 1, 2025. All applications submitted in response to the first receipt date (August 2, 2023) must be new applications; resubmission or competitive renewals are not allowed.
Application budgets should not exceed $125,000 in annual direct costs and should reflect the actual needs of the project.
The scope of the proposed project should determine the project period. The maximum project period is 5 years.
Additional Resources
Frequently asked questions concerning this NOFO are available at Questions and Answers for RFA-AI-23-023.
NIAID staff will host an informational webinar on July 7, 2023. Registration details will be listed on the Questions and Answers page linked above.
If you are interested in applying, we strongly encourage you to contact one of NIAID’s scientific/research contacts to discuss our research priority areas: Dr. Glen McGugan, Jr., DMID, at gm233g@nih.gov or 240-627-3314; Melanie Bacon, DAIDS, at mbacon@niaid.nih.gov or 240-627-3215; or Dr. David McDonald, DAIDS, at david.mcdonald@nih.gov or 301-761-7815. Direct questions related to application review to NIAID’s peer review contact Dr. Soheyla Saadi at saadisoh@nih.gov or 240-669-5178.