Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Are non-Americans eligible, e.g. Canadians?

Answer: Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible. Thus a Canadian would be eligible only if she/he were a permanent resident of the US.

Question: I am interested in doing research related to HIV/AIDS. Can I apply?

Answer: We have already selected our fellows for HIV/AIDS specific projects for the 2008-2009 Fellowship. If your research is related HIV/AIDS AND one of the topics listed in the current PA you may still apply. If it is not please check back this summer for the 2009-2010 Fellowship.

Question: I would like to be a fellow but do not have a site. Can you recommend one?

Answer: Prospective fellows looking for a site for collaboration should look here for a list of potential sites.

Question: Would the ICRF allow a fellow to divide his or her year at more than one site?

Answer: Yes, provided that both sites are included within the same coherent research plan and a justification for the sites is included.  

Question: How are the applications judged?

Answer: Applications are judged based on the merits of the research proposal, the candidate, and the foreign site application. All three components are equally important. For more information on review criteria please refer to the Application Instructions.

Question: If my current fellowship allows for funding support for the research proposed for my FICRF year, can that be combined with ICRF to provide for supplies, technology support, etc.?

Answer: Yes. That amount will have to be included in a budget submitted by the foreign site after applicant selection.

Question: Can I apply for ICRF if I have a family (spouse, children, etc)?

Answer: Yes, persons with families are welcome to apply. However, if the fellow plans to bring their family with them to their site they are responsible for the associated costs (travel, insurance, housing, etc).

Question: Is there a minimum amount of time required overseas?

Question: I am interested in doing work in X country. Is it eligible?

Answer: The NIH/FICRF fellowship is designed for fellows to work in developing countries as defined by the World Bank. High income countries are not eligible. To see a listing of countries as defined by the World Bank please refer to this page: http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/DATASTATISTICS/0,,contentMDK:20421402~pagePK:64133150~piPK:64133175~theSitePK:239419,00.html#Low_income

Question: The application instructions provide a link to the PHS 398 forms on the web. However, on that page it states that these forms should be used for paper submission. What is the best way to proceed?

Answer: We ask applicants to use the PHS 398 forms to ensure that all applications are in a like-format. For our application, please use the PHS 398 forms, and convert them into a PDF form for email submission.

Question: The PHS 398 forms do not all match the information requested. How should I proceed?

Answer: Please place your abstract on Form Page 2, Table of Contents on Form Page 3 (add and subtract from headings as needed), budget and justification on Page 5, and the research plan and career statement on Continuation Pages.

Question: The site I am applying with is an existing Fogarty site and/or listed as a 'vetted site." Do I still need to fill out the Site Application form?

Answer: All sites are required to fill out the Site Application form.

Question: Does the proposed project have to fall into one of the grants that receive US funding?

Answer: No. To be an eligible site, US funding must be received by the site. This information is then listed on the site eligibility form. However, the demonstration of the site as eligible does not mean that the individual's proposed project has to fall into one of those grants- the project could involve working on any project that is supported by the site.

Question: Is there any geographic quota or limitation to which sites are accepted?

Answer: No, each proposal will be judged on its own merits.

Question: The PA requires biosketches from the US Collaborating Program Director and the International Program Director, and also from my mentors, but then limits the application to 3 biosketches. If these are seperate people, can I submit a biosketch for all 4?

Answer: Yes. You can submit up to 5 biosketches, limited to: the applicant, US Collaborating Program Director, International Program Director, US mentor, on-site mentor.

Question: Are any of the involved parties allowed F & A (indirects)?

Answer: The “overseas field site” (which in some cases may be different from the Institute receiving the award) is not allowed indirect cost recovery. The Institute receiving the award is entitled to receive 8% indirect costs (F&A) per standard NIH guidelines. For example, if the award will be subcontracted to Harvard University and then flowed to the overseas site, Harvard would be entitled to indirects, but the overseas site would only receive the $5,000 administrative support outlined in the PA.

Question: Do the Biosketches have to be in 12pt font?

Answer: Yes. Everything in the application should be 12pt font.