International Research in Infectious Diseases (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and specifically the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), is offering funding under the International Research in Infectious Diseases (IRID) program. This opportunity supports high-priority, regionally relevant infectious disease research conducted by international investigators based in resource-constrained countries. These include nations classified as low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income economies by the World Bank. Applicants from low- and lower-middle-income countries are especially encouraged to apply. The goal is to support basic, translational, and applied research that promotes scientific discovery and strengthens local research capacity in infectious diseases. The IRID program aims to fund research in a wide range of infectious disease areas, including HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, zoonotic diseases, and vector-borne illnesses. The research must reflect local or regional public health priorities and also be relevant from a global health perspective. While U.S. collaboration is encouraged, it is not mandatory. The intent is to build independent research capabilities in eligible countries by supporting investigators who do not currently have NIH funding. Grants will enable these investigators to engage in innovative studies, collaborate across institutions, and disseminate findings that could shape public health responses globally. This opportunity does not permit clinical trials. It funds research such as biological studies of pathogens, vector biology, epidemiological analysis, and pilot studies preparing for larger investigations. Projects must align with NIAID’s research priorities, particularly those pertaining to HIV/AIDS, and demonstrate how they will advance local scientific capacity. The maximum funding allowed is $125,000 in direct costs annually, with a project duration of up to five years. Up to 20% of the budget may be subcontracted to high-income countries, but the primary focus must remain on the applicant institution located in an eligible country. Eligible applicants must be foreign institutions in resource-constrained countries. U.S.-based institutions and non-domestic components of U.S. institutions are not eligible. All applicants must complete extensive registrations, including SAM, NCAGE, UEI, and eRA Commons, and must submit applications electronically via NIH ASSIST, Grants.gov Workspace, or a system-to-system solution. Letters of Intent are recommended and due 30 days prior to application deadlines, which recur annually on August 2 or the nearest weekday. Applications are reviewed for scientific merit, innovation, approach, and relevance to local and global health needs. An initial virtual kickoff meeting and annual virtual programmatic meetings are required for funded projects. The earliest possible start date for the next round is March 2026. Key contacts for scientific, peer review, and financial questions are provided, and applicants are encouraged to consult them during proposal development. Additional details, including the full FOA text and associated notices, are available via the NIH Grants website.