Global Collaborative Research Training on Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan

The Global Collaborative Research Training on Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Across the Lifespan is a grant opportunity forecasted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This initiative is designed to foster rigorous institutional research training programs specifically targeting scientists from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It aims to enhance international collaboration by supporting research efforts that examine the causes and patterns of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings, especially where such insights may have dual relevance for both LMIC and U.S. populations. The primary objective of this program is to expand the capacity for global health research by building skilled human capital in LMICs through mentorship and training embedded in existing NIH-funded collaborative research projects. These training programs are expected to provide comprehensive skill development that includes data management, scientific communication, ethical research practices, and other competencies essential to noncommunicable disease research. Projects should utilize distinctive features of the LMIC setting, such as unique population characteristics or environmental conditions, that are not readily replicated in the United States. To ensure alignment with strategic priorities, the focus area of each proposed program must contribute to public health outcomes in LMICs and be consistent with the mission of at least one participating NIH Institute, Center, or Office. This requirement helps ensure that both the training and the research are contextually relevant and likely to yield meaningful results for global and domestic health challenges. The mentored research projects conducted by LMIC trainees should be tightly linked to ongoing NIH-supported studies, offering hands-on experience that directly informs the understanding of disease etiology and epidemiology in underserved environments. Applicants may represent a wide range of eligible institutions, including domestic and foreign higher education institutions (both public and private), nonprofit organizations, governments at various levels (city, county, state, tribal), and special district entities. Additionally, agencies of the U.S. federal government, faith-based organizations, regional organizations, and non-U.S. entities may apply. This inclusive eligibility framework is intended to promote diverse institutional partnerships and encourage submissions from institutions capable of forming productive international collaborations. The submission process is anticipated to open on May 13, 2026, with applications due by July 25, 2026. Awards are expected to be issued on February 16, 2027, with funded projects beginning by February 27, 2027. As this is a forecasted opportunity, no pre-application (e.g., LOI or concept paper) requirements have been specified yet. While no exact funding amounts or number of awards have been listed in this forecast, applicants are encouraged to monitor Grants.gov and NIH program announcements for updates as the estimated post date approaches. Questions about the grant should be directed via email to the Division of International Training and Research (DITR) NCD Program, which oversees this initiative. As a forecasted opportunity, more details, including application instructions, budget formats, and specific evaluation criteria, are expected to be released closer to the estimated post date in May 2026.