Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D43 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 24 174

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D43 Clinical Trial Optional)?

It is an NIH training grant opportunity intended to build long-term infectious disease research capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through structured, collaborative research training programs. The program emphasizes sustainable institutional strengthening and career-oriented training rather than one-off short courses or isolated trainee experiences.

What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?

The funding opportunity number is PAR 24 174.

What does "D43" refer to in this opportunity?

D43 is the NIH activity code associated with this research training mechanism. In this opportunity, it is used for a structured training program designed to strengthen infectious disease research capacity, particularly through international partnerships that center LMIC institutions.

What does "Clinical Trial Optional" mean for this program?

"Clinical Trial Optional" means the training program may include clinical trial-related experiences, but a clinical trial is not required. Trainees may be supported while (1) serving as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, (2) leading a separate ancillary clinical trial, or (3) gaining experience working on a clinical trial led by another investigator.

What is the primary goal of this funding opportunity?

The central goal is to strengthen the LMIC partner institution's ability to conduct high-quality infectious disease research that responds to local and regional public health priorities, through a comprehensive, collaborative, and sustainable training program.

Is this program focused on short-term training or long-term capacity building?

The program is framed as long-term capacity building. It emphasizes sustainable institutional strengthening and a pipeline of researchers, rather than short courses or stand-alone trainee experiences.

Does the FOA encourage partnerships between U.S. institutions and LMIC institutions?

Yes. The announcement specifically encourages joint applications that formally partner a U.S. institution with an LMIC institution, with an emphasis on genuine bilateral collaboration and meaningful capacity strengthening at the LMIC institution.

What types of diseases and research areas are prioritized?

The FOA prioritizes research training that addresses major endemic diseases, life-threatening emerging infections in LMIC settings, and neglected tropical diseases. It also highlights co-infections among people living with HIV, including intersections with tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and other opportunistic or regionally important pathogens.

Does the program support research training at the intersection of infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

Yes. The FOA explicitly welcomes research training that connects infectious diseases with non-communicable disease conditions of public health importance in LMICs, reflecting the growing importance of chronic outcomes and multimorbidity.

What kinds of research approaches can be included in the training program?

Supported training can span prevention, treatment, and broader public health approaches, and it is open to a wide range of disciplines, including basic science, epidemiology, clinical research, behavioral science, and social science.

What are the core components expected in the training program design?

The FOA calls for a comprehensive, career-oriented program that combines (1) didactic instruction (coursework, workshops, structured learning in research methods), (2) mentored research experiences (hands-on research with increasing independence), and (3) explicit career development skills (grant writing, scientific communication, research ethics, leadership, team science, and responsible conduct of research).

What is the intended outcome for trainees supported by this program?

The intent is to prepare trainees for research careers that produce meaningful, measurable impact on priority health research needs in LMICs, both during the training period and over the long term through strengthened local mentorship and research infrastructure.

What is the role of mentorship in this funding opportunity?

Mentored research experiences are described as a core expectation. The program is intended to strengthen mentorship capacity and support progressively increasing trainee independence within a structured career development pathway.

Can training tracks be tailored to local LMIC health systems and priorities?

Yes. The FOA notes that applicants can propose training tracks that fit the realities of local health systems and the research questions that matter most in the LMIC partner environment.

What types of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility described in the provided information is broad and includes state, county, and city governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses.

Are minority-serving institutions and community-based organizations included as eligible applicants?

Yes. The FOA explicitly calls out additional eligible categories such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), and faith-based or community-based organizations, among others.

Are federal agencies or U.S. territories mentioned as eligible applicants?

Yes. The eligibility list includes eligible federal agencies, U.S. territories or possessions, and regional organizations, based on the information provided.

Can a non-U.S. (foreign) organization apply directly as the applicant?

The provided information contains statements that appear internally inconsistent about foreign eligibility, including language that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign institutions) are eligible to apply, alongside other lines stating non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are not eligible to apply and that non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations) are not eligible. Based on the information provided, applicants typically need to consult the full FOA text and NIH application guidance to interpret how NIH is defining these terms for this mechanism.

If the foreign eligibility language is unclear, what partnership model does the program description emphasize?

Even with the eligibility wording complexity described, the program description is clearly structured around U.S.-LMIC joint training partnerships. Applications are expected to demonstrate genuine bilateral collaboration and meaningful capacity strengthening at the LMIC institution.

Who is the funding agency and what type of grant is this?

This is a discretionary grant under the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the health category.

What are the CFDA numbers associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA numbers listed are 93.855 and 93.989.

When was this opportunity created and what is the closing date listed?

The opportunity was created on April 17, 2024, and the listed original closing date is August 6, 2026.

Is an award ceiling or expected number of awards provided in the information available here?

No. The source data described does not specify an award ceiling or an expected number of awards in the fields provided. Applicants would need to consult the full FOA and NIH budget guidelines for the D43 mechanism for cost structure and budgeting constraints.

Does the provided information include the allowable cost structure or project period details?

No. The information provided indicates that applicants should consult the full FOA and NIH budget guidelines for the D43 mechanism to understand allowable costs, project period expectations, and any institute-specific budgeting constraints.

What makes an application conceptually well-aligned with this FOA based on the description provided?

Based on the description, a well-aligned application would typically present a clear and locally relevant infectious disease research training plan, a credible mentorship and career development framework, and a partnership model that demonstrably increases the LMIC institution's ability to design, conduct, and disseminate impactful infectious disease research, with clinical trial experience included when appropriate.