Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan: Fogarty International Research Training Award (NCD-LIFESPAN) (D43 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 21 230

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 230

The Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan: Fogarty International Research Training Award (NCD-LIFESPAN) is an NIH Fogarty International Center D43 institutional training grant opportunity designed to build long-term research capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), using the World Bank country income classifications. The core idea is to fund structured research training programs that help LMIC institutions develop a stronger, sustainable pipeline of investigators who can study chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and related disorders across all stages of life, from early development through older adulthood. The long-range goal is practical and country-relevant: generate the local expertise needed to produce evidence and translate it into interventions, policies, and programs that fit the health realities and resource constraints of the participating countries.

A key feature of this FOA is its flexibility in how partnerships are organized. Applications can be built as collaborations between a U.S. institution and one or more eligible LMIC institutions, which is a common model for training grants that blend U.S.-based mentorship with in-country implementation and research infrastructure development. At the same time, the FOA also allows an LMIC institution to apply without a U.S. partner if the LMIC lead institution can demonstrate a solid track record of externally funded research and/or research training. In either case, the expectation is not short-term workshops or one-off courses, but an institutional program that measurably strengthens local capacity, supports career development, and helps trainees become independent researchers who remain engaged in NCD work in their home settings.

The scientific scope is centered on chronic, non-communicable diseases and disorders across the lifespan, but the application must align primarily with the research interests of at least one of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) referenced in the announcement. Applicants can include additional NCD topics, but those are expected to be secondary or complementary rather than the main organizing theme. In practice, this means an application should clearly define its main training emphasis (for example, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, mental and neurological disorders, or other major NCD burdens, depending on the NIH IC interests stated in the FOA), explain why that emphasis is a priority in the LMIC context, and show how the training plan, mentorship structure, and research opportunities all support that focus across different life stages.

Another important element is that the FOA is “Clinical Trial Optional,” which affects what trainees can do as part of their research development. The program may support trainees who serve as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, conduct an ancillary study linked to an existing trial, or gain meaningful research experience by working on a clinical trial led by another investigator. This gives applicants room to build hands-on trial literacy and trial-related skills into the training program when appropriate, while not requiring that every project be a clinical trial. The emphasis remains on training and career development, with clinical trial involvement treated as a legitimate pathway for building research competencies.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations, such as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) nonprofits). The FOA explicitly recognizes additional applicant categories such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). Non-U.S. entities (foreign institutions) are eligible to apply, and foreign components are allowed under NIH policy. In addition, non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations may participate, which can matter for U.S. universities that have overseas centers or established field sites.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary NIH grant in the health funding category, listed under opportunity number PAR-21-230, with CFDA numbers 93.121, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.313, 93.853, and 93.989. The opportunity was created on May 24, 2021, and the original closing date listed in the provided data is March 11, 2022. The materials provided do not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards, which typically means applicants need to consult the full FOA text and NIH budget guidance to understand allowable costs, project period expectations, and typical funding levels for the D43 mechanism.

Overall, this FOA is best understood as a capacity-building training grant aimed at creating durable, in-country expertise and institutional strength for NCD research. Competitive applications generally need to show a clear and LMIC-relevant NCD focus aligned with NIH IC priorities, a credible plan for sustained mentorship and skills development, and an institutional strategy that goes beyond training individuals to strengthening the local research environment in a way that continues after the grant ends.

• The National Institutes of Health in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan: Fogarty International Research Training Award (NCD-LIFESPAN) (D43 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.121, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.313, 93.853, 93.989.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-05-24.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2022-03-11. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.

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