The Fogarty International Center (FIC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed this program to address research training needs related to infectious diseases that are predominantly endemic in or impact upon people living in developing countries. 

Individuals eligible to become Principal Investigators:

U.S. applicants must apply with a developing country institution with which they have a demonstrable history of research collaboration. Developing country applicants should apply in collaboration with U.S. institutions capable of enhancing their proposed training opportunities. Applicants must have a strong infectious disease research program in the scientific area proposed for research training and the requisite faculty and facilities to carry out the proposed training activities. Applicants must be designated as the Principal Investigator of at least one active infectious disease research grant (with at least 18 months of support remaining at the time of application), from the NIH or other national or international research support organization, directly relevant to the research training proposed. Priority will be given to applicants with NIH research grants with foreign components at the collaborating developing country institution or to foreign developing country applicants directly supported by NIH research awards.

Program themes:

All research training includes mentored support by U.S. and developing country faculty as well as plans for the transfer of appropriate training options to the developing country institution during the course of the five-year award.  Training includes the responsible conduct of research for all long-term trainees.  The training programs include a variety of research training options to match the needs of the developing country institution.  The ultimate goal is to build a critical mass of researchers and support staff to conduct independent infectious disease research in developing country institutions.  

Training programs may include:

1. Pre-doctoral training in infectious disease-related and biomedical research disciplines, and data management and analysis in support of that research, which may lead to an M.S. or Ph.D. or equivalent degree
2. Post-doctoral research projects, generally of two years duration for foreign health scientists
3. Short- and medium- term training in short courses, workshops, or practical experience of up to several months in specific research methods or other laboratory, clinical, social science, or field skills related to infectious disease research.

The following categories of foreign individuals are eligible for training:

1. Health professionals (M.D., D.D.S./D.M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent).
2. Professionals with a bachelor's or master's degree in a basic or health science.
3. Medical technicians and health care workers.
4. Allied health professionals such as behavioral scientists, nurses and social workers.
5. Technical and administrative staff.

  Contacts

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Barbara Sina
Program Director
Fogarty International Center
Division of International Training and Research
National Institutes of Health
Building 31, Room B2C39
31 Center Drive, MSC 2220
Bethesda, MD 20892-2220
Telephone (301) 402-9467
Fax: (301) 402-0779
E-mail: barbara_sina@nih.gov