Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D43 Clinical Trial Optional)
🏛 National Institutes of Health (HHS-NIH11)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for training researchers and building capacity in global infectious disease research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The D43 mechanism supports short- and long-term research training in international settings. Eligible applicants typically include U.S.-based institutions with doctoral programs (universities, medical schools, research institutions) in partnership with host-country research institutions. The program emphasizes bidirectional training, bringing together trainees and mentors across borders to address infectious disease challenges relevant to global health. Geographic scope focuses on designated low- and middle-income countries. Eligible activities include curriculum development, mentorship training, research projects conducted in partnership with international collaborators, and career development of early-stage researchers in infectious disease.
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Program description
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages joint applications for the Global Infectious Disease (GID) Research Training programs from U.S. and low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions. The application should propose a collaborative training program that will strengthen the capacity of a LMIC institution to conduct infectious disease research. FIC will support research-training programs that focus on major endemic or life-threatening emerging infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, infections that frequently occur as co-infections in HIV infected individuals or infections associated with non-communicable disease conditions of public health importance in LMICs. Training related to prevention, treatment or public health approaches to any technical area of basic, epidemiology, clinical, behavioral or social science health research may be supported. Research Training programs should incorporate didactic, mentored research and career development skills components to prepare individuals for careers that will have significant impact on the priority health research needs of LMICs. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) allows support of [trainees] as the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial; or a separate ancillary clinical trial or proposing to gain research experience in a clinical trial led by another investigator, as part of their research and career development.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative (typically 15-25 pages) describing training program, research focus, trainee selection, mentorship plan, and capacity-building strategy
- Biographical Sketches (NIH format) for all key personnel and mentors
- Budget and Budget Justification (detailed cost breakdown for training, travel, personnel, equipment, stipends)
- Letters of Support from host-country institution leadership and collaborators
- Institutional Commitment letter showing resources allocated to the international partnership
- Research Plan describing specific research projects trainees will undertake
- IRB/IACUC approval documentation if human or animal subjects research is involved
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 grantsinfo@nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.855 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$246,626,852
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$201,437,825
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$185,816,804
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$180,737,624
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$136,265,880
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$116,817,868
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$93,394,862
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$89,845,851
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$74,456,241
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$72,987,380
Top States by Funding
- CA 8 awards $696.2M
- MA 6 awards $602.8M
- NY 6 awards $335.0M
- TX 3 awards $280.9M
- GA 5 awards $257.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.855). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $4,073,812,529 | |
| 2025 | $4,378,235,639 | |
| 2026 est. | $4,299,426,996 |
FAQ
Who can be the Principal Investigator on a D43 application?
Typically, a faculty member from a U.S. institution with a doctoral degree, research experience, and demonstrated commitment to international collaboration and training is required. The PI should have experience mentoring early-career researchers.
What is the geographic focus of this program?
D43 grants prioritize capacity building in low- and middle-income countries. The U.S. institution partners with host-country institutions to conduct training and research. Applications should demonstrate commitment to sustainable, bidirectional partnerships.
What types of research training activities are supported?
Supported activities include short-term research exchanges, longer research internships, curriculum development, mentorship training, and collaborative research projects that build local capacity in infectious disease research and epidemiology.
How competitive is this grant?
D43 awards are moderately to highly competitive. Success requires strong partnerships with host-country institutions, demonstrated trainee mentorship capacity, clear research focus aligned with global health priorities, and evidence of institutional commitment to international research.
What is the typical funding range?
D43 awards typically range from $200,000 to $400,000+ annually for institutions with strong international research programs. Exact amounts depend on the scope of training activities and number of trainees supported.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish genuine, long-term partnerships with host-country institutions before applying. Reviewers look for authentic bidirectional collaboration, not one-way training delivery. Include letters of support and evidence of sustained institutional relationships.
- Clearly articulate how your training program addresses specific infectious disease challenges in target regions and contributes to local research capacity and public health needs, not just U.S. training interests.
- Develop a robust mentorship plan that demonstrates how U.S. and host-country mentors will support trainee career development, including post-training career pathways and alumni networks.
- Propose research projects that trainees will conduct during their time abroad. These should be feasible within the training timeline, address relevant research gaps, and involve both U.S. and host-country investigators as co-mentors.
- Budget carefully for international activities (travel, stipends, equipment) and demonstrate cost-effectiveness. Include sustainability plans showing how the program will continue beyond the initial funding period through leveraged resources and local institutional support.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail because the partnership with the host-country institution appears weak or transactional—lacking evidence of shared research interests, co-investment, or long-term commitment. Reviewers also reject applications that focus primarily on U.S. trainee benefits rather than demonstrating clear capacity building in the host country. Finally, vague research projects without specific research questions or feasible timelines undermine competitiveness.
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