NIDA International Fellowships

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), a branch of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), sponsors the NIDA International Fellowships—also known as NIDA INVEST Fellowships. These fellowships aim to promote international collaboration in research focused on drug addiction and substance abuse.

NIDA International Fellowships offer early-career researchers from around the world the opportunity to enhance their skills and expertise through training at leading research institutions in the United States. The program is designed for individuals actively engaged in drug abuse research in their home countries who show strong potential to become future leaders in the field.

Host Country	USA
Host Institute	University of Copenhagen
Level	Postdocs and Non-degree Professionals
Eligible Nationality	International
Benefits	Various
Closing Date	April 1/October 1

Table of Contents

NIDA International Fellowships Program Overview

NIDA International Fellowships aim to foster global research collaboration and knowledge exchange among scholars from around the world, with the goal of enhancing efforts to understand, prevent, and treat drug abuse and addiction globally. Fellows benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities, valuable networking opportunities, and mentorship from leading experts in the field.

The fellowship program offers several prestigious awards, including the INVEST Drug Abuse Research Fellowship, the Hubert H. Humphrey Drug Abuse Research Fellowship, and the DISCA and USDISCA Fellowships for senior researchers.

1. DISCA and USDISCA Fellowships for Experienced Researchers

The Distinguished International Scientist Collaboration Awards (DISCA) and the U.S. version (USDISCA) offer senior researchers from other countries and NIDA-supported U.S. researchers the opportunity to collaborate on substance abuse research projects. These competitive fellowships support short-term research exchange visits, typically lasting a minimum of four weeks.

Each award provides a one-time stipend of up to $8,000 USD to cover living expenses and round-trip airfare. Recipients are responsible for obtaining the necessary visas and securing health insurance for the duration of their visit.

DISCA and USDISCA Fellowships Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the DISCA and USDISCA Fellowships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Both the U.S.-based and international senior researchers must have a minimum of seven years of experience in drug abuse research beyond the postdoctoral level.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong track record of scientific achievement, supported by peer-reviewed publications.
The U.S.-based senior researcher must be actively funded by a NIDA grant at the time of application and throughout the fellowship period.
The international senior researcher must be a citizen or legal resident of a country outside the United States.

Application Process

There is no fixed application deadline; submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants must submit their applications electronically, along with all required supporting documents, to:

DISCA Program
NIDA International Program
Email: ip@nida.nih.gov

For additional details, please visit the official website.

2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship in Drug Use and Addiction Research for Mid-Career Professionals

The Hubert H. Humphrey Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship is designed for mid-career professionals who have demonstrated leadership potential in drug use and addiction research or a closely related field. This 10-month, non-degree program takes place at a U.S. university and emphasizes leadership and professional development.

If you are a mid-career expert in drug use and addiction seeking international experience at a leading U.S. research institution, the NIDA Humphrey Fellowship is an ideal opportunity. The program will deepen your understanding of the scientific foundations of drug use and addiction, enhancing the impact of your work in the field.

Fellowship Benefits: What the Hubert H. Humphrey Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship Provides

The Hubert H. Humphrey Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship is a 10-month, non-degree program for mid-career professionals that provides:

Academic study under the guidance of faculty at a leading U.S. university
A professional affiliation, including a minimum six-week research collaboration with a NIDA-funded researcher
Additional professional development opportunities to build connections with NIDA grantees and staff interested in future collaboration after your return home
Full financial support, including tuition, a living and book allowance, round-trip travel, health insurance, a stipend for professional development activities, and participation in the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Seminar in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility Requirements for Application

To be eligible for the NIDA Humphrey Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Professional Background: Hold a mid-career position in a university, government ministry, non-governmental organization, healthcare sector, or other field related to drug use and addiction, where science-based research informs the development of practices, policies, or programs.
Academic Qualifications: Possess a doctoral degree in medicine, public health, biomedical sciences, behavioral sciences, or social sciences. Applicants with a master’s degree and substantial professional or research experience in the field will also be considered.
Leadership and Public Service: Demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and leadership in the field of drug use and addiction.
Language Proficiency: Be proficient in spoken and written English.
Citizenship and Residency: Be a citizen of an eligible country and have lived and worked in that country for at least five years.

Steps to Apply

To apply or learn more, contact your local Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy, or visit the official Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program website.

3. INVEST Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), sponsors the International Visiting Scientist and Technical Exchange Program (INVEST) Fellowships for Postdoctoral Training. These fellowships offer postdoctoral researchers from around the world the opportunity to enhance their expertise and research skills in the field of drug abuse and addiction through advanced training at leading research institutions in the United States.

i. INVEST Program for Addiction and Drug Use Research

The INVEST Drug Use and Addiction Research Fellowship, offered by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) International Program, is a unique opportunity for scientists specializing in drug use and addiction. This fellowship combines postdoctoral research training at a U.S. institution with professional development support and guidance on grant writing. Fellows may conduct research in any area related to the biological or behavioral sciences of drug use and addiction.

ii. INVEST/CTN Postdoctoral Fellowship for Addiction Studies

The INVEST/CTN Fellowships are offered to non-U.S. scientists through a partnership between the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) International Program and the Center for Clinical Trials Network (CCTN). These fellowships support researchers working with mentors affiliated with one of the Clinical Trials Network (CTN) Regional Research and Training Centers. Fellows can engage in research aligned with the CTN’s broad agenda, which includes clinical trial methodologies, intervention research, and the role of drug use treatment in HIV/AIDS prevention.

iii. INVEST Fellowship in Drug Use Prevention and Addiction Research

The NIDA INVEST Fellowship for the Prevention of Drug Use and Addiction provides researchers from around the world with a unique opportunity to receive postdoctoral training under the mentorship of a NIDA-funded expert in the United States. This intensive training experience equips Prevention Research Fellows with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct independent research upon returning to their home countries.

Application Steps for INVEST Postdoctoral Training

The application deadlines for the INVEST Fellowships for Postdoctoral Training are April 1 and October 1 each year. To apply, candidates must submit a completed electronic application form along with an uploaded research plan and a mentor statement.

To check eligibility and submit an application, please visit the official website.