Emerging Global Leader Award (K43 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 27, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for early-career international scientists and clinicians seeking to establish independent research careers in the United States. Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DO, DVM, DDS, or equivalent), typically be within 12 years of their terminal degree, and hold or be eligible for a J-1 visa or have permanent residency status. The program supports independent clinical research and career development in NIH-relevant research areas across all geographic regions. Eligible applicants include researchers at eligible domestic institutions such as universities, medical schools, hospitals, and research organizations. Independent clinical trials are not permitted under this mechanism. The award provides mentoring, protected research time, and salary support to facilitate the transition from postdoctoral training to independence.
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Program description
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is designed specifically for applicants proposing research that does not involve leading an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary study to a clinical trial. Applicants to this FOA are permitted to propose research experience in a clinical trial led by a mentor or co-mentor. Applicants proposing a clinical trial or an ancillary clinical trial as lead investigator, should apply to the companion FOA PAR-.The purpose of the Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award is to provide research support and protected time (three to five years) to an early career research scientist from a low- or middle-income country (LMIC) who holds a junior faculty position at an LMIC academic or research institution, as defined by the World Bank (http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-classifications/country-and-lending-groups , including low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries). This intensive, mentored research career development experience is expected to lead to an independently funded research career at the LMIC institution or in another LMIC. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications from LMIC scientists from any health-related discipline who propose career development activities and a research project that is relevant to the health priorities of their country under the mentorship of LMIC and U.S. mentors.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- NIH Form SF-424 (R&R)
- Research project narrative (typically 15 pages)
- Mentor's biosketch and supporting letter
- Institutional support letter
- Budget and budget justification
- Career development plan
- Research strategy including specific aims, background, and methods
- Letters of recommendation (typically 3)
- Proof of visa eligibility or permanent residency status
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
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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$39,520,790
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$35,974,939
-
$27,789,761
-
$20,151,900
-
$15,921,171
-
$15,230,037
-
$15,062,168
Top States by Funding
- NY 14 awards $140.0M
- IN 3 awards $68.1M
- TN 5 awards $59.5M
- CA 8 awards $46.1M
- 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 is eligible to apply for the K43 Emerging Global Leader Award?
Early-career international scientists and clinicians with a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) who are typically within 12 years of their terminal degree and have or are eligible for a J-1 visa or permanent residency status.
What are the key restrictions of this grant mechanism?
Independent clinical trials are not permitted. The focus is on mentored research that bridges toward independence rather than established research programs.
What types of institutions can host K43 awardees?
Eligible domestic institutions include universities, medical schools, research hospitals, freestanding research institutes, and other NIH-approved research organizations.
How competitive is the K43 award?
K43 awards are moderately competitive. Success requires a strong mentor, feasible research plan, and clear demonstration of potential for independence. The international dimension and mentoring requirement are key evaluation factors.
What is the typical funding range and project period?
K43 awards typically provide up to 5 years of support with annual salary and research costs. Exact funding varies by institute and availability but generally supports one senior principal investigator with protected research time.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Select a mentor with established NIH funding and expertise in your research area; a strong mentor-mentee relationship is essential for success.
- Clearly articulate your independent research goals and how this award bridges your transition from postdoctoral training to becoming an independent investigator.
- Demonstrate cultural competency and commitment to conducting research that is relevant to both your home country and the U.S. research mission.
- Include a realistic research plan that can be accomplished within the protected research time (typically 75-80% effort on research).
- Emphasize your potential to return to your home country and establish research leadership there, creating a sustainable career development pathway.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applicants often fail to clearly demonstrate a timeline to independence or present research that is too ambitious for the protected research time available. Another common pitfall is selecting a mentor without sufficient NIH funding or commitment to mentorship. Applications that do not adequately address how the award supports transition to a sustainable independent career, or that propose prohibited activities like large-scale independent clinical trials, are frequently rejected.
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