Global Health Engagement Research Initiative (GHERI)
NIDHC manages the Global Health Engagement Research Initiative (GHERI), funding extramural and internal applied research to improve the planning and execution of GHE activities for strategic, operational, and tactical objectives.
GHERI focuses on operational research and advanced technology development to meet Joint Force needs by:
- Improving the understanding and/or execution of DoW GHE.
- Utilizing DoW health research to engage partner nations supporting Combatant Campaign Plan objectives.
Demand Signal: GHERI funds research to meet Combatant Command (CCMD) requirements and address specific operational gaps in military health. These must address at least one of the following:
- A CCMD research need
- A validated gap/shortfall in Joint Force GHE capability
- A novel approach, technology, methodology, or capability with trans-regional and/or trans-functional applications to improve Joint Force GHE
GHERI is a collaborative program involving the Uniformed Services University, USU’s NIDHC, the Defense Health Agency (DHA), the Office of the Joint Staff Surgeon, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs (OASW(HA)). The initiative ensures high-quality research through reviews conducted by the USU’s Office of the Vice President of Research, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Review, and Service GHE representatives. Having completed five funding cycles, GHERI continues to plan for future health security research.
NIDHC conducts internal research focused on medical training, education, and program evaluation. By using social science and medical expertise, NIDHC addresses the priorities of the Joint Staff (JS), Combatant Commands (CCMDs), and the OASW(HA) to create practical recommendations.
NIDHC shares its findings with the Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Service Components, and the broader Department of War (DoW) health community. The center also collaborates with academic and professional partners to turn research into best practices and improved health care.
For more information, contact us at: nidhc-gheri@usuhs.edu.
Who is eligible to apply for GHERI funding consideration?
U.S. Government entities, academic institutions, and nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS are eligible to apply. However, GHERI funds are awarded in full for up to a 2-year period of performance. Only applicant organizations that can accept and obligate full awards should apply to the GHERI Program.
If I am Eligible for funding through the GHERI Program, How do I Apply?
GHERI Calls for White Papers and grant opportunities are publicly available on grants.gov. If you are interested in being directly notified for application opportunities, please request to be added to our distribution list by contacting nidhc-gheri@usuhs.edu. GHERI Call for White Papers do not always follow a regular announcement schedule, so we recommend joining the distribution list!
What Sort of Research Does GHERI Generally Fund?
GHERI focuses on operational research and advanced technology development to meet Joint Force needs by:
- Improving the understanding and/or execution of DoW GHE.
- Utilizing DoW health research to engage partner nations supporting Combatant Campaign Plan objectives.
The objectives of the GHERI prioritize United States DoW strategic priorities to support the core warfighting mission and promote deterrence through strength. The GHE research needs of the warfighter are expressed by the regular demand signal of the Joint Force through the Joint Staff Surgeon’s Office and the Combatant Commands Surgeons’ Offices. This demand signal is captured through ongoing coordination between the CCMDs Surgeons’ Offices, the Military Services, and the GHERI team at NIDHC.
What is the Application Cycle for the GHERI?
The GHERI Application Cycle is as follows:
- Call for White Papers posted on grants.gov
- CMD conducts review and ranking of White Papers
- Top ranked White Papers invited to submit full applications
- Programmatic and Scientific Review
- Executive Board Review
- Award decision and final notifications
How are GHERI Applications Ranked?
GHERI applications are first evaluated and ranked by Combatant Commands. Those applicants whom are then invited to submit full applications as a result of this ranking are then evaluated concurrently by a Scientific Review panel and a Programmatic Review panel, with ultimate award decision made by the GHERI Executive Board comprised of representatives from OASW(HA), DHA Research and Engineering, and the Joint Staff Surgeon’s office.
Are GHERI Calls for White Papers released annually?
Funding for the GHERI is subject to availability of funds; the intention is that the program issues funding on an annual basis.
How can I get updated about future Calls for White Papers for the GHERI Program?
NIDHC’s Research and Analysis Directorate maintains an internal, opt-in email distribution list. You can request to be added to this list by contacting us at nidhc-gheri@usuhs.edu.