Global Research

Map of the world showing research locations

The map identifies 133 countries with NIAID-funded activities in fiscal year 2022.

Credit: NIAID

NIAID conducts and supports basic and applied research to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases. For more than 60 years, NIAID research has led to new therapies, vaccines, diagnostic tests, and other technologies that have improved the health of millions of people in the United States and around the world.

NIAID is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Why Is Global Research a Priority for NIAID?

The impact of debilitating diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, extends from individuals to families and into the broader society.

With infectious diseases among the primary causes of mortality and suffering worldwide, the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases in developing countries can slow or reverse social and economic development.

How Is NIAID Addressing This Critical Topic?

Global research is an integral part of many research projects, programs, initiatives, and other activities implemented by the NIAID extramural and intramural divisions. Conducting research in international settings allows NIAID-supported scientists to study infectious diseases and immunology under a variety of environmental and social conditions. It also provides opportunities to study the effectiveness of investigational drugs and vaccines in populations that vary genetically and immunologically, in the hope of finding treatments and preventions for wide ranges of disease strains and mutations.

With NIAID support, the discoveries of scientists in the United States and around the world are helping to improve the health of millions of individuals, advance public health policy and clinical practice, protect the United States against infectious disease threats, and promote international wellbeing. In executing its mandate, NIAID helps lead global health research and health diplomacy.

NIAID has embraced its leadership role in the global effort to defeat these diseases. By working with partners in academia, private industry, philanthropic foundations, and other research-supporting agencies, NIAID contributes to global development and stability, and enhances research that improves the quality of human life around the world.

Learn more about NIAID's FY2020 international research activities in this Fact Sheet.

Learn more about NIAID's Role in Global Research

Research by Region

NIAID continues to explore opportunities with researchers and organizations in regions across the globe, and focuses research specific to the needs of each region and country. The work being done to prevent, treat, and cure diseases in these regions helps further the understanding and management of diseases at home.

Learn more about how NIAID prioritizes research in various regions around the world:

Research on Select Populations

Women’s Health

Women face unique health problems related to many NIAID mission areas — specifically, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Many infectious and autoimmune diseases affect female populations disproportionately. Even diseases that strike men and women in nearly equal numbers may have unique consequences or complications for women. Read more about how NIAID is addressing health challenges for women.

Minority Health

NIAID has long recognized that racial and ethnic differences affect susceptibility to infection and disease. Health disparities or gaps in the quality of health and health care mirror differences in socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic background, and education level. NIAID is committed to research that helps reduce these health disparities. Read more about NIAID efforts to improve minority health.

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