LAUNCHing Leaders for Future U.S. Investments in Global Health Research (D43 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career researchers seeking international research experience and mentorship in global health. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral fellows, early-career faculty, and other researchers with doctoral degrees in health-related fields. Awardees must commit to conducting research abroad under senior mentor guidance.
The program supports capacity-building in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Applicants must identify a host institution in an eligible country and secure a mentor agreement. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is typically required.
Activities funded include mentored research projects, professional development, and networking in global health. The D43 mechanism allows optional pilot/feasibility studies alongside clinical trials. Typical award periods span 2-4 years with annual budgets in the $30,000-$75,000 range (direct costs).
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Key dates
- Sep 22, 2025 Applications open
- May 25, 2026 Application deadline
- Feb 15, 2027 Award announced
- Jul 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The LAUNCH program supports the training of future global health researchers by providing early career researchers in the U.S. an opportunity for immersion in the wide-ranging health conditions and challenges experienced in international low-resource settings and to partner with local health researchers. Consortia consisting of four U.S. research institutions and at least six collaborating research intensive institutions and/or sites in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will develop one-year mentored research training programs for pre- and post-doctoral trainees that focus thematically on areas of biomedical or behavioral science relevant to the research priorities of the participating NIH institutes, centers and offices. These programs will provide research mentorship, rigorous technical and professional skills training, research partnerships with matched LMIC peers, career guidance, networking opportunities, and a collaborative research training environment to support the trainees’ potential to develop into independent researchers. By leveraging the unique scientific contexts of LMICs and existing NIH research grants led by program mentors, LAUNCH enhances the potential of future research by trainees to address health needs in the U.S. and globally.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal application form)
- SF-424 R&R (research and related activities supplement)
- Project Narrative (research aims, mentor collaboration, host country relevance)
- Budget Justification
- Mentor Letter of Support
- Host Institution Commitment Letter
- Biographical Sketch (NIH format)
- Research Strategy (including pilot data if available)
Program contact
- 👤 UnJa Hayes
- 📧 unja.hayes@nih.gov
- 📞 301-827-7024
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.989 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$52,173,936
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$50,365,175
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$40,336,583
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$38,729,911
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$34,754,915
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$26,205,220
-
$20,151,900
-
$15,921,171
-
$14,502,752
-
$14,026,425
Top States by Funding
- NY 14 awards $138.7M
- IN 3 awards $68.1M
- TN 5 awards $58.7M
- CA 8 awards $45.4M
- IL 5 awards $36.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.989). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $67,000,000 | |
| 2025 | $69,732,021 | |
| 2026 est. | $70,429,341 |
FAQ
Who can apply for a D43 grant?
Postdocs, early-career faculty, and doctoral-level researchers are typically eligible. You must be affiliated with a U.S. institution and demonstrate commitment to a research career in global health.
Do I need to identify a foreign collaborator before applying?
Yes. You must have a host institution and senior mentor identified in a low- or middle-income country. Letters of support are required from both.
What types of research are eligible?
Research addressing health problems in LMICs. The D43 Clinical Trial Optional mechanism permits clinical trial feasibility studies or pilot data collection.
How competitive is this funding?
D43 awards are moderately to highly competitive. Reviewers assess your research plan, mentor qualifications, institutional commitment, and career development trajectory.
What is the typical funding range?
Direct costs typically range from $30,000 to $75,000 annually. Total project budgets (including indirect costs) vary by awardee institution.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Secure strong mentor letters early. Reviewers prioritize evidence of active, engaged mentorship and co-authorship history with your chosen mentor.
- Embed your research in real health needs of the host country. Show alignment with local priorities and existing infrastructure, not imposed external research.
- Detail your career development plan explicitly. Explain how this award advances your independence and future leadership in global health research.
- Build a realistic budget tied directly to research activities. Justify each line item and show what will happen in year 1 versus future years.
- Demonstrate institutional support from both your U.S. home institution and the LMIC host institution. Obtain commitment letters confirming resources and protection of research time.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Poor mentor engagement or weak letters of support. Reviewers reject applications where the mentor appears only nominally involved or lacks relevant global health research expertise.
Vague research aims or plans that lack connection to host country health priorities. Applications misaligned with LMIC capacity-building mission often fail.
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