International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA)

Forecasted opportunity (not yet open for applications; expected to be posted around 2026-12-01; estimated application due date 2027-02-09). This initiative will provide salary and research support to advanced U.S. postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty for intensive mentored research and career development activities focused on biomedical, behavioral, and/or clinical research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Proposals will leverage special opportunities not present in the U.S. and result in generalizable knowledge applicable to the health of U.S. and LMIC populations. Recipients will be required to spend significant time at the LMIC research site and receive mentoring from senior U.S. and LMIC researchers. This experience will provide recipients with a deep understanding of the local research environment and foster collaborative relationships necessary to develop competitive independent NIH research proposals. A sustained period of research career development will enable recipients to become global leaders in their fields, serve as mentors to the next generation of investigators, and strengthen international networks that support NIH research investments.