The IRSDA provides three to five years of mentored research career development support for advanced postdoctoral U.S. research scientists and recently appointed U.S. junior faculty (minimum two years beyond doctoral degree) to conduct intensive, mentored global health research in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC). Awardees must serve as lead investigators on an independent clinical trial, feasibility study, or ancillary clinical trial relevant to LMIC health priorities and spend at least 50% of their effort—and a minimum of three months each year—in-country at the LMIC institution.

Eligibility Criteria:

• U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or permanent residents by the time of award.

• Hold a research or health-professional doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DO, DVM, PharmD, etc.) conferred at least two years before application.

• Advanced postdoctoral research scientists or junior faculty with research experience beyond doctoral training.

• No current or former PD/PI on NIH R01, P01, P50, D43, major individual K awards (K01, K07, K08, K22, K23, K25, K76, K99/R00), or equivalent non-NIH awards. (R03, R21/R33, R36, SBIR/STTR awardees remain eligible.)

• Must commit a minimum of 75% full-time professional effort (nine person-months) to the career development program.

• Must spend at least 50% of cumulative effort over the project period—and a minimum of three months each year—physically at the LMIC research site.

• Identify and secure two primary mentors: one at the U.S. institution and one at the LMIC institution (LMIC mentor must hold a primary appointment at the collaborating LMIC site and not be a U.S. citizen with a joint appointment).

• U.S. and LMIC institutions must demonstrate a strong research environment and commitment to the candidate’s development.

• Applications proposing non-independent clinical trials should apply instead to the companion NOFO (PAR-24-113).

Funding Details:

• Mechanism: K01 Research Scientist Development Award (Independent Clinical Trial Required)

• Award Period: Minimum 3 years; maximum 5 years.

• Salary Support: Up to $100,000 per year plus fringe benefits (subject to NIH salary cap).

• Research Development Costs: Up to $40,000 per year for supplies, technical personnel, tuition/registration (non-degree), statistical/computational services, travel to research sites/meetings, etc.

• Indirect Costs (F&A): Reimbursed at 8% of modified total direct costs.

• In-Country Requirement: At least 50% effort (all years) and minimum of three months per year at the LMIC site.

• Mentor Support: Mentors must provide letters confirming availability of sufficient research support and facilities.

• Budget Justification: Detailed justification for all salary and program-related expenses in accordance with the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and NOFO instructions.

Deadline:

All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization on one of the following dates. (Expires March 10, 2026.)

• March 10, 2025 (New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision; review July 2025; earliest start December 2025)

• March 9, 2026 (New, Renewal, Resubmission, Revision; review July 2026; earliest start December 2026)

Where to Go for Further Information:

• NIH Funding Opportunity Announcement PAR-24-114