APPLY TO BECOME AN ITTC

Thank you to all the ICUDDR members that applied to become an ITTC in February 2024. We look forward to opening the application window for new ITTCs again soon. If you would like to be notified when applications open again, please email ITTC@ITTCnetwork.org.

WHY BECOME AN ITTC?

Through culturally and linguistically appropriate, state-of-the-art, research-based training and technology transfer activities, ITTCs lead systems change projects that develop the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services workforce in their country. Being established as the ITTC for a country allows a credible university with proven drug demand reduction expertise to receive infrastructure support, technical assistance, and global networking opportunities to help:

• Showcase their expertise in leading systems change projects, providing research-based training and technology transfer activities, as well as developing the substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services workforce.
• Learn from other ITTCs and connect with global organizations that support drug demand reduction.
• Create or enhance their university’s ability to improve the lives of individuals affected by substance use and to work closely with national, provincial, and local policymakers and government officials.

Read more about the benefits of becoming an ITTC.

FUNDING

The announcement that applications for new ITTCs are now being accepted does not come with any funding attached. Rather, this is an opportunity to join a dedicated network of universities who have similar goals and do similar work. ITTCs actively and openly share ideas, resources, and materials with each other. They receive specialized training and connections to experts and are invited to special meetings with other ITTCs. To read more about the benefits of becoming an ITTC, see Criteria.

There is no fee to apply to become an ITTC; however, applicants are expected to demonstrate how they will fund the activities proposed in the application. Some faculty receive permission from their university leadership to use time and effort toward ITTC activities. This kind of support would count as an “in-kind” contribution of personnel resources. Other universities may receive specific financial support from their own university or from their national government. ITTCs may also demonstrate funding from other sources if that funding does not compromise the integrity of the efforts. ITTCs must commit to a code of ethics. That code includes a commitment that ITTCs will not accept funding or other forms of support that stem from illegal or unethical sources or sources that are in direct opposition to the work of substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.

ELIGIBILITY

• Applications are open to current organizational members of the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction (ICUDDR). To join, please visit https://www.icuddr.com/aboutus/joinus.aspx.
• Applicants must be proposing to launch an ITTC in a country where one does not already exist. To see a list of current ITTCs, go to the ITTC Network website at https://ittcnetwork.org/ITTC/find-ittc.aspx. Existing ITTCs do not need to reapply.
• Applicants may include one or more universities working collaboratively. If the application includes more than one university, then the application must clearly identify which site is taking the lead role. The letter of support must come from that organization.

INELIGIBILITY

• Eligibility may be limited based on the country in which the university is located. Current US government laws and regulations that define how US organizations and citizens may interact with foreign entities may limit eligibility. If there is a question about whether a university is eligible based on its location, please contact the ITTC Network Coordinating Office at ittc@ittcnetwork.org.
• While the United States of America does not have an ITTC, there are other technology transfer centers in the United States. Therefore, universities in the USA are not eligible to apply.
• Any university that will not comply with the ITTC Code of Ethics is not eligible to apply.

To register for the informational sessions, please complete the appropriate registration form.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applications must include the information sheet, project narrative, and appendices A – D. Applications should be submitted to ittc@ittcnetwork.org by the due date. Please submit applications in either English or Spanish. Applications may be submitted as one combined file or multiple files, as long as all of the required items are included. Files should be in the portable document format (PDF).

1. Applicants must provide a completed information sheet. See page 5 of the application for this sheet.
   
   
2. Applicants must provide a written project narrative. See instructions beginning on page 6 of the application.
   
   
3. In Appendix A, applicants must provide a signed copy of the ITTC Commitment form included on page 8 of the application. The person who will serve as the ITTC Director may sign this form.
   
   
4. In Appendix B, applicants must provide a letter of support from their university leadership demonstrating that the institution understands the implementation expectations of the ITTC and grants permission for the activities outlined in the project narrative. If the application includes more than one university, then the application must clearly identify which site is taking the lead role. The letter of support must come from that organization.
   
   
5. In Appendix C, applicants must provide a letter of acknowledgment from the national government ministry that oversees substance use prevention, treatment and/or recovery services in the country. The purpose of the letter is to demonstrate that the ministry is aware of the applicant and is willing to participate in discussions with the proposed ITTC Director, should the applicant be selected.
   A. Some countries have more than one ministry involved in overseeing substance use prevention, treatment and/or recovery services. If this is the case for the applicant, then the preference is for the applicant to include a letter from each ministry involved. However, securing such letters may be difficult. Therefore, a letter from at least one ministry will suffice if the applicant includes a short explanation of how the applicant intends to engage the other ministries.
   B. Some countries do not have any government entity that provides oversight to substance use services in the country. If this is the case for the applicant, then the preference is for the applicant to include a letter from a national government health, social welfare, or justice agency.
   
   
   
   
6. In Appendix D, applicants must provide a biographical sketch for the proposed ITTC Director(s).