2024 CFAR HIV/AIDS Training Fellowship Awards

Intent to Apply Deadline: Friday, May 17 2024

 

CRDF Global is accepting proposals from Centers for AIDS Research (CFARs) to support early-stage investigators from India working in the field of HIV/AIDS research for the 2024 CFAR HIV/AIDS Training Fellowship Awards. A list of CFAR sites can be found here. This initiative is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This fellowship program aims to promote the training and inclusion of Indian early-stage scientists in HIV-related collaborative research within the CFAR program.

The CFAR program is a trans-NIH program, managed by NIAID, that provides administrative and shared research support to synergistically enhance and coordinate high-quality HIV research projects. CFARs accomplish this through centralized core facilities that provide cutting-edge expertise, specialized resources, and innovative technologies in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary and international collaboration across all areas of HIV research.

The purpose of the 2024 CFAR Training Fellowship Awards is to expand capacity in HIV/AIDS research through participation in short-term research training opportunities for Indian early-stage investigators. CFAR sites are invited to apply for funding to support Indian early-stage investigators for these research training projects, focused on priority areas of HIV/AIDS research aligned with NIH NOT-OD-20-018.

Two to three fellowship awards, each up to $300,000 USD total cost ($150,000/year), will be made in support of short-term training programs (up to 24 months). Each proposal must have a budget submitted clearly outlining all expected costs, in accordance with U.S. government grant regulations. The budget may not exceed $300,000 USD total cost.

The application will be peer-reviewed by a panel of experts administered by CRDF Global. The CFAR may submit more than one application, however, each application should identify one Indian fellowship candidate with distinct research objectives from other applications.

All proposals must meet each of the following eligibility criteria:

• The application must be from a currently funded CFAR. CFARs in a No-Cost Extension (NCE) or bridge are not eligible to apply. A list of CFAR sites can be found here.
• The proposal must identify a CFAR investigator as the Project Principal Investigator (Project PI) who will serve as the main contact point to administer and coordinate activities of the training award.
• The CFAR should also be able to assist in planning and implementing the two-year fellowship of the Indian fellows to the United States.
• Each proposal’s training focus must target one or more of the priority areas of HIV research listed in Section III.
• Budget allocation may not exceed $300,000 USD total cost.

Individual fellowship award requirements are indicated below and must be included with the application:

• The fellowship candidate must be an Indian national, with plans to return to India after the fellowship.
• Fellowship candidate must:
  1. Possess the degree of Ph.D. M.D., and /or an equivalent degree, such as completion of a Postgraduate (post-MBBS) medical training program.
  2. Demonstrate scientific capacity and research experience, which aligns with the scientific priorities listed in Section III.
  3. Qualify as an early-stage investigator, which is defined by NIH as a Program Director/Principal Investigator who has completed their terminal research degree or end of post-graduate clinical training, whichever is later, within the past 10 years and who has not previously competed successfully as a PD/PI for a substantial NIH independent research award.
• The fellowship candidate must submit a letter of interest to the CFAR to be included in the application that outlines how the fellowship will support their research goals upon return to India.
• If the fellowship candidate is currently at an Indian institution, they must submit a letter of support to the CFAR from their current institution to demonstrate support for them to receive this training.

CRDF Global reserves the right to restrict the participation of any individual or institution in its programs. CRDF Global complies with all U.S. laws and regulations pertaining to export control and the participation of foreign nationals or institutions in its activities. It is the policy of CRDF Global not to conduct any transactions with U.S.-restricted entities without the appropriate authorization from the U.S. Government.

All proposals must be submitted through the CRDF Global Electronic Proposal Submission (EPS) website: https://crdfglobal.formstack.com/forms/cfar_competition

E-mail attachments and hard copies will NOT be accepted. For more information and instructions, please refer to Section VI. A.

Program Point of Contact:

• Annie King, CRDF Global | aking@crdfglobal.org