Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 18 539
The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) (K01) is an NIH career development grant meant to help early-career U.S. scientists build a long-term, independent research career in global health. It is structured to provide substantial protected time and support for an intensive mentored research experience lasting three to five years in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC), using the World Bank country classifications (low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income). The core idea is to give advanced postdoctoral researchers and newly appointed junior faculty a sustained period to develop skills, produce strong research outputs, and position themselves to compete successfully for future independent funding focused on global health priorities.
This opportunity targets investigators who are already beyond the most basic training stage: applicants must be at least two years past the date their doctoral degree was awarded. NIH is looking for early-career investigators from any health-related field, so the program is not limited to a particular disease area, methodology, or discipline. What matters is that the proposed research and career development plan are directly relevant to the health needs and priorities of the LMIC setting where the work will be carried out, and that the applicant will receive strong, structured mentorship from both an LMIC-based mentor and a U.S.-based mentor. The expectation is that the LMIC environment is central to the applicant's development, not a short add-on, and that the training experience will clearly build expertise in conducting rigorous global health research in real-world international contexts.
A defining feature of this specific FOA (PAR-18-539) is how it treats clinical trials. Despite the title line stating "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed," the description indicates that this announcement is intended for applicants who plan to be the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary study linked to an existing clinical trial, as part of their overall research and career development plan. In practice, NIH K awards often separate FOAs based on whether the applicant will lead a clinical trial or not, and they direct applicants to the correct companion announcement depending on their role. This FOA explicitly notes that applicants who are not planning an independent clinical trial, or who simply want experience working on a trial led by someone else, should apply to a separate companion FOA (listed as PAR-18-MMM in the provided text). Because the wording in the title and description can appear contradictory, applicants typically need to confirm the clinical trial policy details in the full announcement and NIH definitions to ensure they are submitting under the correct FOA for their proposed study design and leadership role.
Eligibility is centered on U.S. institutions and U.S.-based investigators. Eligible applicant organizations include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and certain other eligible organizations. The FOA also explicitly recognizes and encourages applications involving institutions that serve historically underrepresented groups, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). At the same time, non-U.S. entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization, and non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed under NIH policy, meaning the research and training activities can take place in the LMIC and include LMIC partners and sites consistent with NIH Grants Policy Statement rules.
Administratively, this is a discretionary grant mechanism administered by the National Institutes of Health, categorized under education and health funding activities. The CFDA numbers associated with the opportunity are 93.398 and 93.989. The opportunity was created on December 21, 2017, and the original closing date listed is March 6, 2020. The provided source text does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards, so applicants would need to consult the full FOA for budget and programmatic details, including allowable costs, salary support levels, effort requirements, and any institute- or center-specific priorities that may shape competitiveness.
Overall, the IRSDA (K01) is best understood as a structured pathway for promising U.S. early-career researchers to develop into independent global health investigators through a multi-year mentored experience embedded in an LMIC, supported by a dual-mentor team and a research project aligned with local health priorities. The main strategic decision point for applicants is choosing the correct FOA based on whether they will lead a clinical trial (or related feasibility/ancillary trial work) versus pursuing non-trial research or participating in a trial led by another investigator.Apply for PAR 18 539
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) (K01) - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.398, 93.989.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-12-21.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-03-06. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.
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International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) (K01) - FAQs
What is the IRSDA (K01) program?
The International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) is an NIH career development grant (K01) designed to help early-career U.S. scientists build a long-term, independent research career focused on global health. It supports a sustained, mentored research and career development experience in a low- or middle-income country (LMIC).
What is the main goal of this award?
The award is intended to provide substantial protected time and support so an early-career investigator can develop skills, generate strong research outputs, and become competitive for future independent funding in global health.
How long is the supported research and mentored experience?
The mentored research experience is designed to last three to five years.
Where must the research and training take place?
The core training and research experience is expected to be embedded in an LMIC setting. The LMIC environment is intended to be central to the applicant's development rather than a brief or supplemental activity.
How does this opportunity define an LMIC?
The program uses World Bank country classifications. LMICs include low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries under those classifications.
Who is this award intended for (career stage)?
This opportunity targets advanced postdoctoral researchers and newly appointed junior faculty who are early in their careers but beyond basic training.
Is there a minimum time since the doctoral degree was awarded?
Yes. Applicants must be at least two years past the date their doctoral degree was awarded.
Is the program limited to specific diseases or research fields?
No. NIH is looking for early-career investigators from any health-related field. The key expectation is that the research and career development plan aligns with the health needs and priorities of the LMIC setting where the work will be conducted.
What makes an application competitive based on the description provided?
Based on the information provided, strong alignment with LMIC health priorities, a clearly structured career development plan, and robust mentorship from both LMIC-based and U.S.-based mentors are central expectations. The LMIC environment should be a major driver of the applicant's research growth and global health research capacity.
What mentorship structure is expected?
The program expects structured mentorship from two sides: an LMIC-based mentor and a U.S.-based mentor.
Does the applicant need to have a project that is relevant to the LMIC site?
Yes. The proposed research and career development plan should be directly relevant to the health needs and priorities of the LMIC setting where the work will be carried out.
Which FOA is referenced in the provided information?
The specific funding opportunity announcement (FOA) referenced is PAR-18-539.
How does this FOA treat clinical trials?
The provided text indicates a potential contradiction: the title line states "Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed," but the description says the announcement is intended for applicants who plan to be the lead investigator of an independent clinical trial, a clinical trial feasibility study, or an ancillary study to an existing clinical trial as part of the overall research and career development plan.
If I am not leading a clinical trial, should I apply to this FOA?
The description provided states that applicants who are not planning an independent clinical trial, or who only want experience working on a trial led by someone else, should apply to a separate companion FOA identified in the text as PAR-18-MMM.
Why is there confusion about the clinical trial policy in this opportunity?
The confusion comes from the mismatch between the title wording ("Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed") and the descriptive language indicating the FOA is intended for applicants leading an independent clinical trial or related trial activities. The provided text suggests applicants should confirm clinical trial policy details in the full announcement and NIH definitions to ensure they choose the correct FOA for their study design and leadership role.
Who is eligible to apply as the applicant organization?
Eligibility is centered on U.S. institutions. Eligible applicant organizations include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and certain other eligible organizations (as referenced in the provided text).
Are foreign institutions allowed to apply as the main applicant organization?
No. Non-U.S. entities (foreign institutions) are not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.
Can non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations apply as the applicant organization?
No. Non-U.S. components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply as the applicant organization.
Can the research still take place in an LMIC if foreign institutions cannot be the applicant?
Yes. The provided text states that foreign components are allowed under NIH policy, meaning research and training can take place in the LMIC and include LMIC partners and sites, consistent with NIH Grants Policy Statement rules.
Does the opportunity encourage applications from institutions serving underrepresented groups?
Yes. The FOA explicitly recognizes and encourages applications involving institutions that serve historically underrepresented groups, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), and related categories listed in the provided information.
Which federal agency administers this program?
This is a discretionary grant mechanism administered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
How is the funding activity categorized in the provided information?
The opportunity is categorized under education and health funding activities.
What CFDA numbers are associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA numbers listed are 93.398 and 93.989.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on December 21, 2017.
What is the closing date listed in the provided information?
The original closing date listed is March 6, 2020.
Does the provided information list an award ceiling or number of expected awards?
No. The provided text does not specify an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.
What budget details are missing from the provided information?
The provided text notes that applicants would need to consult the full FOA for budget and programmatic details such as allowable costs, salary support levels, required effort, and any NIH institute- or center-specific priorities that could affect competitiveness.
What is the key strategic decision point for applicants?
The central decision highlighted is selecting the correct FOA based on whether the applicant will lead a clinical trial (or a feasibility/ancillary clinical trial study) versus proposing non-trial research or participating in a trial led by another investigator.
What kind of research outputs is the program designed to support?
The description emphasizes producing strong research outputs as part of the multi-year mentored experience to help the investigator progress toward independence and future global health funding.
Is this award meant to be a short international experience?
No. The provided information emphasizes that the LMIC setting should be central to the applicant's development and not a short add-on.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (PAR 18 539) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) (K01) - Independent Clinical Trial Required Apply for PAR 18 540 Funding Number: PAR 18 540 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition: Clinical Research Sites for MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study, MACS/WIHS-CCS (U01-Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 19 008 Funding Number: RFA HL 19 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research (U01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 552 Funding Number: PAR 18 552 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Limited Competition: Data Analysis and Coordination Center for the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study, MACS/WIHS-CCS (U01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 19 007 Funding Number: RFA HL 19 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Grant Program (R01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 559 Funding Number: PAR 18 559 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Cancer Institute's Investigator-Initiated Early Phase Clinical Trials for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (R01 Clinical Trials Required) Apply for PAR 18 560 Funding Number: PAR 18 560 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Cutting-Edge Basic Research Awards (CEBRA) (R21-Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 437 Funding Number: PAR 18 437 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| International Research Collaboration on Drug Abuse and Addiction Research (R01, Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 568 Funding Number: PA 18 568 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Health Services and Economic Research on the Prevention and Treatment of Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse (R01, Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 569 Funding Number: PA 18 569 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Women and Sex/Gender Differences in Drug and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 603 Funding Number: PA 18 603 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Leveraging Cognitive Neuroscience to Improve Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Related Cognitive Impairment (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 605 Funding Number: PAR 18 605 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Women and Sex/Gender Differences in Drug and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 601 Funding Number: PA 18 601 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Women and Sex/Gender Differences in Drug and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 602 Funding Number: PA 18 602 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Leveraging Cognitive Neuroscience to Improve Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Related Cognitive Impairment (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 606 Funding Number: PAR 18 606 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Training Modules to Enhance the Rigor and Reproducibility of Biomedical Research (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA GM 18 002 Funding Number: RFA GM 18 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Population, Clinical and Applied Prevention Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 612 Funding Number: PAR 18 612 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Population, Clinical and Applied Prevention Research (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 611 Funding Number: PAR 18 611 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Mechanistic investigations of psychosocial stress effects on opioid use patterns (R01- Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAS 18 624 Funding Number: PAS 18 624 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mechanistic investigations of psychosocial stress effects on opioid use patterns (R21- Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAS 18 625 Funding Number: PAS 18 625 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| NIDA Small Research Grant Program (R03 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PA 18 626 Funding Number: PA 18 626 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
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