International Research and Research Training
Fogarty International Center (FIC) supports research and research training to reduce disparities in global health and to foster partnerships between U.S.
scientists and their counterparts abroad.
FIC supports basic biological, behavioral, and social science research,
The research portfolio is divided into several programs that support a wide variety of funding mechanisms to meet programmatic objectives.
Given the interdisciplinary nature of global health challenges, the FIC systematically seeks alliances with other Federal agencies, international organizations, development agencies, and non-government organizations.
The AIDS International Training and Research Program (AITRP), led by FIC and in partnership with nine NIH institutes, supports research training that is critical to advancing the AIDS research agenda abroad.
For example, with FIC support, investigators at the University of Nairobi and University of Washington have evaluated the rates of HIV transmission to infants through breastfeeding.
In the new study, pregnant HIV-infected women joined groups that would either breastfeed or formula feed their infants.
Among infants born to mothers in the breast-feeding group the risk of becoming HIV-infected increased by 76% in contrast to the formula fed group.
Overall, 44 % of the HIV infections in infants born to mothers in the breastfeeding group were due to breast milk.
This study clearly shows the need to prevent breast milk transmission and has major implications for development and deployment of public health interventions in resource-poor settings.
Additional studies are now underway to address the related and complex social and economic implications on infant feeding.
The International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups (ICBG) program is a unique effort, administered by the FIC, to integrate improvement of human health through drug discovery, incentives for ecological conservation, and new models of sustainable economic activity that focus on the environment, health, and equity.
This program is based on the belief that the discovery and development of pharmaceutical and other useful agents from natural products can, under appropriate circumstances, promote sustained economic growth in developing countries while conserving the biological habitats from which these products are derived.
The ICBG program is a partnership amongst nine Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Seven ICBGs are currently working in nine countries across Latin America, Africa and Asia, building research capacity in more than 16 different institutions and training hundreds of individuals.
To date, over 5,000 species of plants, animals and microorganisms have been examined for biological activity in more than 22 different therapeutic areas.
Numerous publications in chemistry, biodiversity policy, conservation and ethnobiology have emerged from the funded ICBG groups.
An example of such accomplishment includes efforts by researchers at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research to characterize a new mode of action for treatments against leishmaniasis and related parasitic diseases, and isolate promising lead compounds for this and other areas from traditional plant use in West Africa.
Another example can be found in the stimulus and coordination of efforts for a new marine and terrestrial national park in Panama to protect 2600 square kilometers containing high biodiversity and many endemic species that will preserve the habitat for research projects like the ICBG, as well as other non-destructive activities.
ICBG research and conservation initiatives are partially credited for this government's decision to establish Coiba National Park.
In 2005, this park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
FIC established an interagency, interdisciplinary research program in FY 2000 on ecology and infectious diseases.
The first 12 projects supported by this interdisciplinary program will assess how large-scale man-made environmental events, such as habitat destruction, urban sprawl, water pollution, introduced species and agricultural intensification, all contribute to the emergence and spread of emerging infectious diseases in animals and humans.
With FIC support, scientists at Case WesternReserveUniversity and the Institute of Medical Research in Papua New Guinea have discovered a new mutation in a gene for the Duffy blood group that reduces susceptibility of red blood cells to malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax (P.vivax).
This parasite must interact with the Duffy blood group factor on cells in order to infect them.
Genetic epidemiologists have demonstrated that individuals with two copies of the mutant gene are resistant to P.vivax infection.
Targeting the parasite's Duffy-binding protein and its interaction with the Duffy blood group may be a productive strategy for developing a vaccine for vivax malaria.
The insights from this study not only suggest that it is feasible, but represent a conceptual model for addressing the more virulent malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.
- Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of Genomics Small Research Grant Program (R03)
- Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R21)
- Global Brain and Nervous System Disorders Research Across the Lifespan (R01)
- Research Supplements to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research (Admin Supp)
- Research Supplements to Promote Re-Entry into Biomedical and Behavioral Research Careers (Admin Supp)
The Department of Health and Human Services is the Federal government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially to those who are least able to help themselves.
Relevant Nonprofit Program Categories
Program Accomplishments
AIDS International Training and Research Program: In FY 2007, 27 awards were made. In FY 2008, 26 awards are expected to be made. Brain Disorders in the Developing World: In FY 2007, 2 awards were made. FIC expects to fund 4 awards in FY 2008. Collaborative Trauma and Injury Research Training Program: 12 awards were made in FY 2007. In FY 2008, FIC expects to make 12 awards. Ecology of Infectious Diseases Program: In FY 2007, five awards were made. Three awards are expected to be made in FY 2008. Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars Resource and Support Center: This award was made for the first time FY 2007. One award was made in FY 2007 and one award is expected to be made in FY 2008. Fogarty International Research Collaboration Award: In FY 2007, 100 awards were made. In FY 2008, FIC expects to make 100 awards. Framework Programs for Global Health: In FY 2007, 22 awards were made. FIC expects to make seven awards in FY 2008. Global Health Research Initiative Program for New Foreign Investigators: 47 awards were made in FY 2007. 37 awards are expected to be made in FY 2008. Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program: 39 training grants were made in FY 2007. FIC expects to make 29 awards in FY 2008. Informatics Training for Global Health Program: In FY 2007, six awards were made. FIC expects to make six awards in FY 2008. International Clinical, Operational and Health Services Research and Training Award: In FY 2007, 13 awards were made. 13 awards are expected to be made in FY 2008. International Clinical, Operational and Health Services Research and Training Award for HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis: In FY 2007, 12 awards were made. FIC expects to make 12 awards in FY 2008. International Cooperative Biodiversity Groups Program: In FY 2007, seven awards were made. All seven awards were U01 (cooperative agreements). Three U01 awards are expected to be made in FY 2008. International Malaria Clinical, Operational and Health Services Research Training Program Planning Grants: In FY 2007, one planning grant was made. FIC expects to fund three planning grants in FY 2008. International Research Ethics Education and Curriculum Development Award: In FY 2007, 15 training grants were awarded. FIC plans to make six awards in FY 2008. International Research Scientist Development Award: In FY 2007, 11 awards were made. Seven awards are expected to be made in FY 2008. International Studies on Health and Economic Development Program: One award was made in FY 2007. FIC expects to fund one award in FY 2008. International Tobacco and Health Research and Capacity Building Program: 18 grants were made in FY 2007. 18 awards are expected to be made in FY 2008. International Training and Research in Environmental and Occupational Health Program: In FY 2007, 16 awards were made. FIC expects to fund 16 awards in FY 2008. International Training and Research in Population and Health Program: In FY 2007, 10 awards were made. 10 awards are expected to be made in FY 2008. Stigma and Global Health Research Program: In FY 2007, three awards were made.08, FIC expects to make 6 awards each fiscal year.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grants and Research Training Grants provide funds for salaries, equipment, supplies, travel, tuition, and other expenses associated with research training and scientific investigation concerning global health issues.
These grants are awarded to universities; colleges; medical, nursing and dental schools; hospitals; and other non-profit and for-profit institutions.
Awards include grants, cooperative agreements, international research training grants, and career development awards.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
In general, universities, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, Federal institutions and other public or private non-profit and for-profit domestic and foreign institutions, and State and local units of government are eligible to submit applications for research grants, research training grants, cooperative agreements, and career development awards.
The grantee institution must agree to administer the grant in accordance with prevailing regulations and policies.
The eligibility requirements may differ amongst FIC programs, based on the eligibility section found in our Requests For Applications (RFAs) and Program Announcements (PAs) at: http://www.fic.nih.gov/funding/index.htm .
Beneficiary Eligibility
Any non-profit or for-profit organization, company or institution engaged in health and biomedical research.
Credentials/Documentation
Applications for research grants must present the objectives, methodology, and resources for the specific research project, and must demonstrate the applicant's competence and interest. For training grants, the applicant's academic record, research experience, and the proposed area and plan of training must be included in the application. The applicant institution must present the objectives, training program, and resources for the research-training program, the research qualifications and experience of directing staff in training students (the criteria to be used in selecting individuals for awards), a detailed budget, and justification for the amount of grants funds requested. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular A-21 - Cost Principles for Educational Institutions, Circular A-110 - Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Other Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, OMB Circular A-122 for Nonprofit Organizations, Circular A-102 - Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments, and Circular A-87, Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments. For-profit organizations' costs are determined in accordance with Subpart 31.2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulations. For other than State and local government grantees, costs will be determined by Health and Human Services (HHS) Regulations 45 CFR, Part 74, Subpart Q.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Not applicable.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Standard application forms, as required by 45 CFR, Part 74 and 92, must be used for this program. Detailed instructions for submitting applications to our programs are provided in our Requests For Applications (RFAs) and Program Announcements (PAs) at: http://www.fic.nih.gov/funding/index.htm .
Award Procedures
Applications are reviewed initially for scientific and technical merit. This is followed by a second level review by the FIC Advisory Board.
Deadlines
An application deadline date will appear in the RFA or PA for each competition. The RFAs and PAs can be found at: http://www.fic.nih.gov/funding/index.htm .
Authorization
Public Health Service Act, Sections 301 and 405, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 241 and 284.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Grants: From six to nine months.
Appeals
A Principal Investigator (PI) may question the substantive or procedural aspects of the initial scientific review of his or her application by communicating with FIC staff.
Renewals
Non-competing renewal applications may be made for all multi-year awards. Applicants must submit their request on form PHS 2590 two months before the end of the last budget period. Competing renewal applications may be submitted only if allowed in the RFA or PA.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This Program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Approval of a project includes determination of support for the authorized project period (not to exceed five years). Awards to support the project are made on an annual basis. At the time of initial award, the grant provides funds for the conduct of the project during the first budget period (usually 12 months) and the Notice of Grant Award (Form PHS-1533) indicates the support recommended and expected to be made available for the remainder of the project beyond the approved project period. Funds are disbursed via the PMS Electronic Transfer System for domestic grantees, and by U.S. Treasury Check or Direct Deposit for foreign grantees. Loan Repayment Program Awards are for two years with the opportunity for renewal.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
The grantee is responsible for annual progress reports.
These reports are required for program analysis as part of all continuation applications.
In addition, a final report must be filed within 90 days of the termination of the grant.
The final report includes an account of progress made toward achievement of the originally stated aims; a list of the significant results; and a list of publications resulting from the projects.
For most projects, a financial status report must be filed 90 days after each competitive segment.
Reports must be provided to FIC staff in accordance with the CFR Title 42 Part 52 - Grants for Research Projects and the CFR Title 45 Part 74 - Uniform Administrative Requirements for grants and cooperative agreements.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," non-Federal entities that receive $500,000 or more per year in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Non-Federal entities that expend less than $500,000 per year in Federal awards are exempt from these audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. In addition, grants and cooperative agreements are subject to inspection and audits by DHHS and other Federal government officials. Loan Repayment Program awards will be audited prior to the end of the contract, or as needed.
Records
Expenditures and other financial records must be retained for three years from the day on which the grantee submits the last expenditure report for the report period.
Financial Information
Account Identification
75-0819-0-1-552.
Obigations
(Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Career Awards) FY 07 $50,033,000; FY 08 est $50,100,000; and FY 09 not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Recipients of FIC regular research grants, education project grants, and international training grants receive from $100,000 to $1,300,000. Recipients of FIC Career Development Awards receive from $50,000 to $150,000. Recipients of FIC Cooperative Agreements may receive from $300,000 to $700,000. Recipients of FIRCA small grant awards receive from $30,000 to $45,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
The grant program legislation and program regulations cited in the Notice of Grant Award, the restrictions on the expenditure of Federal funds in appropriations acts, to the extent those restrictions are pertinent to the award, 45 CFR Part 74 or 45 CFR Part 92, as applicable, the NIH Grants Policy Statement, including addenda in effect as of the beginning date of the budget period, and the terms and conditions on the notice of grant award. Information regarding FIC programs can be found at: http://www.nih.gov/fic/programs.html.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Building 31, Room B2C39, MSC 2220, Bethesda, MD 20892-2220. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the FIC website at: http://www.fic.nih.gov/funding/index.htm to obtain more information regarding these programs. FIC Telephone number for more information: (301) 496-1653.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
The major elements in evaluating proposals include assessment of: (1) the scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study or research training program and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to the announced program objectives. All pertinent evaluation criteria are provided in the RFAs and PAs.
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