Expression of Interest (EoI) for Contributing Data from Existing Indian Cohorts to Indo-US Collaborative Research focused on Heterogeneity of Diabetes to Enable Precision Diabetes is being sought.

Overview

This initiative supports joint diabetes research studies leveraging existing cohorts in India and the US, operating under the ICMR-NIDDK Joint Implementing Agreement on Diabetes Research. The collaboration aims to advance the scientific understanding of diabetes, particularly its marked heterogeneity across individuals and populations. This understanding is crucial for enabling 'precision diabetes' approaches. The programme provides joint funding support from ICMR and NIDDK as per the agreed framework.

Eligibility

ICMR invites Expression of Interest (EoI) from investigators in India. Interested investigators must identify existing cohorts relevant to diabetes and related metabolic disorders. The submitted EoI must identify cohorts possessing key clinical and phenotypic variables, and the investigators must be willing to participate in joint Indo-US collaborative research studies by contributing existing data.

Research Areas or Activities

The research focus centers on understanding the heterogeneity of diabetes, which manifests in differences in disease subtypes, progression, treatment response, and complications. The goal is to enable precision diabetes approaches through joint research proposals.

Application Process

Interested investigators or institutions are required to submit the duly filled Annexure I along with a brief note. This note should describe the cohort, its relevance to the objectives of the Indo-US collaboration, and the motivation for participation in joint research. The submission must be made via email to indousniddk2026@gmail.com.

The submission must include details regarding the Principal Investigator and Team, and the Cohort Characteristics, including:

• Total cohort size and number of participants with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
• Availability of demographic details (Age, Sex).
• Availability of mandatory clinical and metabolic variables, such as Age at onset of diabetes, Duration of diabetes, Medication history, Body Mass Index (BMI), Fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and Kidney function.
• Availability of optional variables, such as HOMA-IR, HOMA2 beta-cell function, and Complications-related data.

Investigators must also confirm consent to sharing the information provided in the EoI with ICMR and NIDDK, and associated Indian and U.S. collaborators for the purpose of cohort selection, harmonization, and development of joint research proposals.

Deadline and Timeline

Submission Deadline: On or before 15th July 2026.

Cohorts with adequate sample size, availability of key clinical and longitudinal variables, and suitability for harmonized analyses will be shortlisted. Shortlisted investigators may be invited for further discussions, including participation in a joint protocol development workshop with ICMR and NIDDK counterparts.

Contact Information

For any clarifications related to this EoI, inquiries can be sent via email to indousniddk2026@gmail.com or by contacting:

Dr. Tanvir Kaur Gandhi
Scientist G and Head, International Health Division
Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi
Email: headihd.hq@icmr.gov.in