Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan: Fogarty International Research Training Award (NCD-LIFESPAN) (D43 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 22 104

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 22 104

The Chronic, Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan: Fogarty International Research Training Award (NCD-LIFESPAN) is an NIH grant opportunity (PAR-22-104) that supports institutional research training programs under the D43 mechanism, with clinical trials allowed but not required. It is administered through the National Institutes of Health, with Fogarty-style emphasis on building sustainable research and training capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as defined by the World Bank. The FOA is a reissue specifically because the earlier version omitted certain TRAINING RECORD review questions in the peer review section, meaning the program goals are essentially the same but the review criteria were corrected/updated.

At its core, this program is meant to strengthen the ability of LMIC institutions to do high-quality, locally relevant research on chronic, non-communicable diseases and disorders across the entire lifespan. The expectation is not just short-term workshops or one-off training events, but a structured, institutional training plan that produces in-country experts who can design, lead, and sustain research programs. The long-range aim is to help generate evidence that can be translated into practical, evidence-based interventions and policies that fit the needs, resources, and realities of the applicant countries. “Across the lifespan” signals that training and research can address NCD-related issues from early life and adolescence through adulthood and aging, including prevention, disease progression, comorbidities, and long-term outcomes.

Applications can be built as partnerships between a U.S. institution and an eligible LMIC institution, which is a common Fogarty model. However, the FOA also allows LMIC-only applications when the lead LMIC institution can demonstrate a prior track record of externally funded research and/or research training. In either structure, the training program should clearly show how it will build durable capacity at the LMIC institution(s), such as strengthening mentorship, research administration, scientific methods, ethical and regulatory oversight, data systems, and the ability to compete successfully for future research funding.

A key requirement is that the primary training focus must align with the priorities of at least one of the participating NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs) listed in the FOA. In practice, this means the proposed NCD training theme(s) should map directly onto NIH IC interest areas described in the announcement. Additional NCD topics can be included, but they are expected to be secondary or complementary rather than the main organizing focus. The overall emphasis is on building a coherent training “pipeline” where trainees gain the skills to generate impactful research outputs, develop independent research careers, and contribute to national and regional research leadership.

The “Clinical Trial Optional” designation is important because it explicitly permits training experiences that involve clinical trials, without making trials mandatory for every program. Trainees may be supported to serve as the lead investigator on an independent clinical trial, to lead an ancillary study linked to an existing trial, or to gain hands-on experience by participating in a clinical trial run by another investigator. This flexibility lets programs tailor training to local needs and readiness, ranging from epidemiology and implementation research to intervention development and evaluation, including trial-related competencies when appropriate.

Eligibility for applicant organizations is broad and includes many U.S. and non-U.S. entity types. Beyond universities, the FOA lists eligibility for various levels of government (state, county, city/township, special districts), independent school districts, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses, and multiple categories of minority-serving and community-connected organizations. It explicitly includes non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations), regional organizations, faith-based or community-based organizations, and several institution types such as HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, AANAPISIs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and U.S. territories or possessions. This reflects the program’s intent to encourage strong, context-driven training networks that can include academic, clinical, public health, and community partners where appropriate.

The opportunity is categorized as a discretionary grant in the health area, associated with multiple CFDA listings (93.121, 93.213, 93.242, 93.273, 93.313, 93.853, 93.866, 93.989), reflecting participation across NIH components. The original closing date provided in the source is July 15, 2024. Award ceiling and expected number of awards are not specified in the provided summary, so applicants typically need to consult the full FOA for budget limits, project period expectations, allowable costs, and specific review considerations.

• 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, 93.866, 93.989.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-03-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), 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, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for PAR 22 104

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: