Key Dates

Related Announcements

• October 9, 2020 - Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Parent Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional). See NOFO PA-20-272.
• May 12, 2023 - Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Phase 2 of the U.S.-South Africa Program for Collaborative Biomedical Research, Administrative Supplement Opportunity for South African International Research Training Grants (D43; U2R). See Notice NOT-TW-23-005.

Issued by

Fogarty International Center (FIC)

Sexual and Gender Minority Research Office (SGMRO)

Purpose

The Fogarty International Center (FIC) invites applications for administrative supplements to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in FIC research training programs (D43, U2R). Research shows that diverse teams working together and capitalizing on innovative ideas and distinct perspectives outperform homogenous teams. Scientists and trainees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences bring different perspectives, creativity, and individual enterprise to address complex scientific problems. There are many benefits that flow from a diverse NIH-supported scientific workforce, including: fostering scientific innovation, enhancing global competitiveness, contributing to robust learning environments, improving the quality of the research, advancing the likelihood that underserved or health disparity populations participate in, and benefit from health research, and enhancing public trust. A diverse global health workforce increases the probability that the health needs of all populations within society will be addressed and increases the creativity and robustness of scientific research.

In spite of tremendous advancements in scientific research, information, educational and research opportunities are not equally available to all. FIC encourages institutions to diversify their trainee populations to enhance the participation of individuals from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social sciences, such as individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Establishing and maintaining scientific environments that are inclusive and can cultivate and benefit from a full range of talents is not only essential for the quality and impact of science, but it is also a matter of good stewardship of federal funds to ensure that the most talented researchers are recruited, supported, and advanced to become competitive research investigators.

For purposes of this NOSI, we encourage applicants to recruit prospective candidates for training opportunities from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social science research workforce within the United States (US). For participating low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), we encourage recruitment of prospective candidates from groups that are underrepresented in biomedical, clinical, behavioral and social science research in that country, and/or (for both US and LMIC candidates) that are members of institutions that have historically served individuals from underserved communities and have capacity to engage in biomedical research.

The scientific focus for research training is not restricted, but we welcome applications that include research projects that address the health needs of health disparity populations in LMICs. Health disparities (HD) are preventable differences in health status and outcomes that adversely affect certain populations. Research on health disparities examines the influence of environment, social determinants, and other underlying mechanisms leading to differences in health outcomes. Health disparity populations should be determined on a country-by-country basis and may include underserved populations such as rural residents, groups with disabilities, immigrants and displaced populations, and sexual and gender minorities, among others. Health disparities create health inequities. Health disparities and disparity populations may be defined differently in different countries.

Objectives:

The objective of this initiative is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in FIC research training programs (D43, U2R). Applicants should propose to provide a foundation in research design, methods, and analytic techniques appropriate for the proposed research area in an inclusive research environment that welcomes contributions from trainees of all backgrounds. Training may include mentored research projects, practicums, workshops, short courses, networking, career mentoring or other activities that can be accomplished within the supplement award year.

Eligibility

Eligible parent grants are limited to D43 and U2R research training grants that have at least one year remaining at the time of submission, exclusive of no cost extensions. The contact PI of the parent grant must submit the application. Recipients in or working in South Africa should review the related announcement NOT-TW-23-005 [Phase 2 of the U.S.-South Africa Program for Collaborative Biomedical Research: Administrative Supplement Opportunity for South African International Research Training Grants (D43; U2R)]. Only one application total may be submitted to either this or the companion opportunity.

Proposal Considerations:

The research strategy section of the proposal may be no more than six pages (exclusive of Specific Aims page and biosketches) and should include the following parts:

• Research training activities:
  • Provide a description of the proposed training activities. While there may be a distance or online component, a portion of the activities provided for the trainee(s) should be hands-on and face to face. If distance learning is proposed, applicants should describe their experience with online learning and the facilities and infrastructure available for both trainees and instructors at their respective institutions to carry this out successfully.
• Faculty:
  • Provide a list of experienced faculty who will lead the training activities and supervise the work of the trainee(s), including biosketches, with a statement of their role in the project.
• Trainees:
  • For US trainees, it is encouraged that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented groups (see Notice of NIH’s Interest in Diversity: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-20-031.html), be considered for participation in the program. For LMIC trainees, it is encouraged that individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from groups that are underrepresented in biomedical research in the relevant country, should be considered for participation in the program.
  • Provide a description of the recruitment and selection process of the trainee(s) and, where trainees are already identified (preferred), include their biosketch(es). A letter of support from their home institution should be included, committing relief time for the trainee to participate in training, if appropriate. If not yet identified, please describe the pool of available candidates and the timeline required for selection and commencement of training activities.
  • Trainees already supported by the parent grant are not eligible for this opportunity.

Review Process

Administrative review will be conducted by FIC consistent with applicable law.

Review criteria:

Research Training Activities:

• Is the proposed training within the scope of the parent award?
• Is it likely that the proposed activities will improve the research skills of the participant(s) and encourage them to pursue further training and careers in biomedical and/or social/behavioral research?
• Is the breadth and type of proposed training suitable for the skill set of the trainee(s)?
• Will the proposed training contribute to offering opportunities to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from groups underrepresented in biomedical research in the US or relevant LMIC, in an inclusive environment in which trainees from all backgrounds can contribute?

Faculty:

• Do the proposed faculty have demonstrated expertise in the relevant area of training, as well as a commitment to and track-record in training and mentoring?

Trainees

• Is the recruitment process likely to lead to a diverse pool of potential candidates?

Number, duration, and budget of awards:

Budgets up to $150,000 total costs (direct plus F&A of 8%) for one year are allowed with budget justification.

Funds should be used consistent with the restrictions on the parent award and may include, among other costs: stipend support for trainees, salary support for key personnel contributing to the program, consultants, participant(s) costs, costs for materials and internet connectivity, facility costs to hold meetings, and travel for faculty and for participant(s).

Application and Submission Information

Applications for this initiative must be submitted using the following opportunity or its subsequent reissued equivalent.

• PA-20-272 - Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Parent Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional)

All instructions in the SF424 (R&R) Application Guide and PA-20-272 must be followed, with the following additions:

• Application Due Date(s) June 23, 2023 by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.
• For funding consideration, applicants must include NOT-TW-23-006 (without quotation marks) in the Agency Routing Identifier field (box 4B) of the SF424 R&R form. Applications without this information in box 4B will not be considered for this initiative.
• Requests may be for one year of support only, and the proposed project period may not exceed the project period of the parent award, exclusive of no cost extensions.
• The Research Strategy section of the application is limited to 6 pages.
• Only existing recipients of FIC D43 or U2R training programs are eligible to apply.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to notify the program contact at FIC supporting the parent award that a request has been submitted in response to this NOFO to facilitate efficient processing of the request.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Flora Katz, Ph.D.
Fogarty International Center
Telephone: 301-402-9591
Email: katzf@mail.nih.gov