Planning Grant for Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Research Training Programs in Low and Middle Income Countries (NIH: D71)

Funding Opportunity Number:	PAR-17-097

Funding Opportunity Title:	Planning for Non-Communicable Diseases and Disorders Research Training Programs in Low and Middle Income Countries (D71)

Closing Date for Applications:	Mar 14, 2019

CFDA Number(s):	93.989 -- International Research and Research Training

Award Ceiling:	$46,000

Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Institutions) are eligible to apply.

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for research training program planning invites submissions from low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institution(s) with existing research and research training capacity in chronic, non-communicable diseases and disorders (NCDs). These institutions must propose to assess needs and develop a plan for a research training program within the LMIC(s) that will further strengthen the capacity of LMIC individuals, institution(s) and country(ies) to identify NCD priorities and conduct NCD research across the lifespan. The application from the LMIC institution(s) may include collaboration with United States (U.S) institutions and other LMIC institutions as justified and appropriate.

Application Package: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=290881 

Link to Additional Information:	http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-17-097.html

EDCTP-TDR Clinical Research and Development Fellowships

TDR - the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases

Call for proposals

Open for applications: 30 October 2016

Deadline for applications: 2 February 2017, 17:00 (GMT)

This joint call for proposals provides fellowships to early-to-mid-career scientists and clinical staff in low- and middle-income countries to learn how to conduct clinical trials. Selected applicants are placed in pharmaceutical companies or product development partnerships for 6-15 months.

Background

Researchers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) who are involved in clinical research projects have limited opportunities to acquire experience and develop skills for conducting clinical trials outside of an academic or public sector setting. As a result, there are fewer than the required researchers and clinical staff from LMICs assuming leadership roles in clinical research for Neglected Infectious Diseases (NIDs).

EDCTP and TDR are jointly implementing this fellowship scheme to support researchers to obtain these essential skills, and ensure synergies between researchers and clinical staff, pharmaceutical companies, product development partnerships (PDPs) and research affiliated institutions. This partnership is aimed at increasing the number of individuals trained resulting in an increased impact on clinical research and development of additional capacity in LMICs.

Scope

The scheme targets early to mid-career researchers or clinical staff (clinicians, pharmacists, medical statisticians, data managers, other health researchers) who are employed by a legal entity in LMICs where they are currently working on activities in the scope of EDCTP or TDR.

The call includes a joint evaluation and selection process by EDCTP and TDR of applications submitted to this Call. However, grant awarding and budget management will remain separate under the management of each of the two organizations.

TDR will fund fellows employed by a research institution in any LMIC to be placed in pharmaceutical companies, PDPs and research affiliated institutions either in or outside Europe to train and develop new research skills on infectious diseases including HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, Ebola and NIDs. EDCTP will fund fellows employed by a sub-Saharan African legal entity to be placed in European-based pharmaceutical companies to train and develop new research skills of relevance to Poverty Related Diseases (PRDs) .

Fellows can only be funded once under this grant scheme. Grants awarded are not transferrable from one individual to another. Placements are for a minimum period of 6 months up to a maximum period of 18 months, following which there will be a re-integration period of 6 months within their home organization. Fellows must be committed to return to their home organization after completion of the fellowship for as long as the duration of the placement. Fellows should be able to demonstrate how the experience gained during the training programme will be applied upon return to their home organization.

If you have any queries and if you are interested in applying for this research funding opportunity, please contact us at the Office of Research Services and we will be pleased to provide further information and support 

e-mail: tropmed.mahidol.univ@gmail.com

DoD USAMRMC FY17 Broad Agency Announcement for Extramural Medical Research

W81XWH-17-R-BAA1 (Initial for Fiscal Year 2017)

FDA #: 12.420 [Military Medical Research and Development]

Key Dates

• Opening Date: October 1, 2016
• Revised Date: December 14, 2016
• Closing Date: September 30, 2017, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

Pre-Proposals/Pre-Applications: organizations are required to submit preliminary proposals/applications (pre-proposals/pre-applications) through Electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP).

The USAMRMC’s supporting acquisition office, the US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), will be the awarding and administering office for proposals/applications selected for funding.

A. Research Areas of Interest

1. Military Infectious Diseases Research Program

The Military Infectious Diseases Research Program (MIDRP) focuses on vaccines, drugs, field-deployable clinical diagnostics and vector detection assays (human and vector), and novel therapeutics to treat multidrug-resistant organisms in combat wound infections, as well as vector control measures for insect vectors that transmit naturally occurring endemic diseases with demonstrated or potential capability to decrease military operational effectiveness. Diseases of principal interest to the MIDRP are malaria, dengue, diarrheal disease caused by bacteria, multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The MIDRP also has smaller research programs focused on scrub typhus, adenovirus, and hemorrhagic fever viruses not found on the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) biothreat list. The MIDRP does not support proposals/ applications for funding research on viral or bacterial biowarfare threats, chemical weapon threats, or cancer.

Research efforts that focus on novel technologies for the detection, prevention, and treatment of naturally occurring infectious diseases, such as norovirus and other viral diarrhea, Q fever (Coxiella burnetii), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, protozoal diarrhea, Rickettsiosis, Zika virus, Chikungunya virus, multidrug-resistant bacteria and fungi, as well as technologies that leverage current DoD intramural research efforts in malaria, dengue, bacterial diarrhea, and HIV are needed. MIDRP is interested in Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling preclinical and clinical studies to facilitate the development of therapeutics for prevention or treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and emerging infectious disease threats (e.g., Chikungunya virus, MERS-CoV, Zika virus).

The MIDRP is also interested in proposals/applications incorporating a systems biology approach. For more information, refer to Section V.E.2, Attachment 7, Data- and Research Resource-Sharing Plan.

Research Areas of Interest to the MIDRP are found in Appendix, Section I. Applicants are urged to read and consider these before preparing their applications.

Medical Biological Defense Research Program

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Joint Science and Technology Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JSTO-CBD) manages research directed towards medical biological defense. The DTRA JSTO-CBD has limited funding for proposals/applications submitted through the USAMRMC BAA. DTRA also seeks proposals/applications for its requirements through the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) and the DoD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program solicitations. For information regarding DTRA business opportunities, visit the website at http://www.dtra.mil/Contracts/BusinessOpportunities.aspx.

The Medical Biological Defense Research Program (MBDRP) provides medical countermeasures for biological warfare agents. These countermeasures include specialized medical materiel or procedures designed to enhance protection. The priorities of the program are (a) prophylaxis or pretreatment to prevent any casualty; (b) identification and diagnosis of biological agents; and (c) treatment or supportive care regimens. The MBDRP is interested in proposals/applications and products incorporating a systems biology approach. For more information, refer to Section V.E.2, Attachment 7.

Examples of some of the infectious agents of interest are those causing anthrax, plague, and glanders; the Ebola, Marburg, Venezuelan, Western and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses; and poxvirus models of variola virus. Examples of toxins of interest include those from plants (Ricin) and bacteria (Staphylococcal enterotoxins, botulinum).

The Research Areas of Interest to the MBDRP are found in Appendix, Section V. Applicants are urged to read and consider these before preparing their applications.

Where to Obtain the Submission Package for Research Awards

To obtain the complete Grants.gov proposal/application package (hereinafter, submission package), including all required forms, perform a Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/) basic search using the Funding Opportunity Number W81XWH-17-R-BAA1.

Submission is a two-step process requiring both: (1) Pre-proposal/pre-application submission through eBRAP (https://eBRAP.org/); and (2) Full proposal/application submission through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/).

Pre-Proposal/Pre-Application Submission and Content for Research Awards

Submission of a pre-proposal/pre-application is required and must be submitted through eBRAP (https://eBRAP.org/). If the USAMRMC is interested in receiving a full proposal/application, the PI will be sent an invitation via eBRAP to submit.

Because the invitation to submit a proposal/application is based on the contents of the pre-proposal/pre-application, a PI should not change the title or research objectives after the pre-proposal/pre-application is submitted. A PI and organization identified in the pre-proposal/pre-application should be the same as those intended for the full proposal/application submission. If any changes are necessary after submission of the pre-proposal/pre-application, the PI must contact the CDMRP Help Desk at help@eBRAP.org or 301-682-5507. A change in PI or organization after submission of the pre-proposal/pre-application will be allowed only at the discretion of the USAMRAA Contracting or Grants Officer.

The organization, Business Official, and PI must register in eBRAP before submitting a pre-proposal/pre-application. Upon completion of an organization’s registration in eBRAP and approval by the CDMRP Help Desk, the organization name will be displayed in eBRAP to assist the organization’s Business Officials and PIs as they register. The organization, Business Officials, and PIs must all be registered and affiliated in eBRAP.

Pre-proposals/pre-applications may be submitted at any time prior to the BAA closing date. Pre-proposals/pre-applications should describe specific ideas or projects that pertain to any of the areas described under “Program Description” in this BAA. A pre-proposal/pre-application must include a brief description of the scientific methods and design to address the problem as described below. Brochures or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a pre-proposal/pre-application. DO NOT include any proprietary information in the pre-proposal/pre-application.

The pre-proposal/pre-application consists of the following components, which are organized in eBRAP by separate tabs. Refer to the General Submission Instructions, Section II.C., for additional information on pre-proposal/pre-application submission.

• Tab 1 – Application Information:

○ Enter the information as described in eBRAP before continuing the pre-proposal/ pre-application.

• Tab 2 – Application Contact:

○ Enter contact information for the PI. Enter the organization’s Business Official responsible for sponsored program administration (the “person to be contacted on matters involving this application” in Block 5 of the Grants.gov SF424 Form). The Business Official must either be selected from the eBRAP list or invited for the pre-proposal/pre-application to be submitted.

○ Select the performing organization (site at which the PI will perform the proposed work) and contracting organization (organization submitting on behalf of the PI, which corresponds to Block 5 on SF424), and click on “Add Organizations to this Pre-application.” The organization(s) must either be selected from the eBRAP drop-down list or invited for the pre-proposal/pre-application to be submitted.

○ It is recommended that PIs identify an Alternate Submitter in the event that assistance with pre-proposal/pre-application submission is needed.

NOTE: The eBRAP system does not require approval of the pre-proposal/pre-application by the PI’s organization.

• Tab 3 – Collaborators and Key Personnel:

○ To enable the USAMRMC to avoid COI during the screening and review processes, list the name, organization, and role of all scientific participants in the proposed research project, including co-investigators, mentors, collaborators, consultants, and subrecipients/subawardees.

• Tab 4 – Conflicts of Interest

○ List all individuals other than collaborators and key personnel who may have a COI in the review of the proposal/application (including those with whom the PI has a personal or professional relationship).

Federal agency personnel involved in the review process and/or with making funding recommendations are prohibited from being involved in the research proposed or assisting in any pre-proposal/pre-application, including, but not limited to, concept design, application development, budget preparation, and the development of any supporting documentation. If formal collaboration with Military Facility personnel is planned (i.e., included in the proposal/application in performance of the research), this prohibition is not applicable. However, these Military Facility personnel cannot be involved in the review process and/or with making funding recommendations.

Refer to the General Submission Instructions, Appendix 1, for additional information. For questions related to COI, contact the CDMRP Help Desk at help@eBRAP.org or 301-682-5507.

• Tab 5 – Required Files

NOTE: No figures, charts, graphs, or other additional material will be accepted during the pre-proposal/pre-application process.

Provide responses in the appropriate data fields for the following in eBRAP. DO NOT LEAVE ANY FIELDS BLANK. eBRAP will truncate characters exceeding the limit specified for each data field. Enter “none” if there is no information to be included.

○ Problem To Be Studied (4,000 character limit, including spaces).

○ Theoretical Rationale, Scientific Methods, and Design (4,000 character limit, including spaces).

○ Significance and/or Uniqueness of the Proposed Effort (4,000 character limit, including spaces).

○ Military Relevance and Impact (4,000 character limit, including spaces).

○ Brief Description of Research Involving Animals, Human Anatomical Substances and/or Human Subjects (4,000 character limit, including spaces).

Plans and Strategy for Translation, Implementation, and/or Commercialization (4,000 character limit, including spaces).

Upload document(s) as individual PDF files. eBRAP will not allow a document to be uploaded in the Required Files tab if the number of pages exceeds the limits specified below.

○ Budget Summary: Upload as “BudgetSummary.pdf.” Complete the two-page Budget Summary Form (available for download in eBRAP) as instructed.

○ PI and Key Personnel Biographical Sketches (five-page limit per individual): Use boldfaced type or highlight titles of publications relevant to the proposed project. All biosketches should be uploaded as a single combined file.

Refer to the General Submission Instructions, Section II.C., for detailed information.

• Tab 6 – Submit Pre-Application

This tab must be completed for the pre-proposal/ pre-application to be accepted and processed.

If you have any queries and if you are interested in applying for this research funding opportunity, please contact us at the Office of Research Services and we will be pleased to provide further information and support 

e-mail: tropmed.mahidol.univ@gmail.com

Investigator Initiated Extended Clinical Trial (R01)

Investigator Initiated Extended Clinical Trial (R01)

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: PAR-17-056

Funding Opportunity Purpose

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) invites applications for implementation of investigator-initiated clinical trials requiring an extended project period of 6 or 7 years. The trials can be any phase, must be hypothesis-driven, and related to the research mission of one of the participating ICs. Consultation with IC staff is strongly encouraged prior to the submission of the clinical trial implementation application. This FOA is not intended for support of clinical trials that do not require an extended project period of 6 or 7 years. 

Key Dates

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): February 7, 2017

Letter of Intent Due Date(s): 30 days before application due date

Application Due Date(s): March 7, 2017; December 7, 2017; by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

AIDS Application Due Date(s)

March 7, 2017; December 7, 2017, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. All types of AIDS and AIDS-related applications allowed for this funding opportunity announcement are due on these dates.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

Scientific Merit Review: June 2017

Advisory Council Review: August 2017

Earliest Start Date: September 2017

Systems Biology: The Next Generation for Infectious Diseases (U19)

Systems Biology: The Next Generation for Infectious Diseases (U19)

Activity Code: U19 Research Program – Cooperative Agreements

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: RFA-AI-16-080

Funding Opportunity Purpose

This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) solicits applications to establish Systems Biology Centers that use systems biology approaches to build predictive models for infectious diseases. These models will be derived from hypotheses related to systems-level host/pathogen molecular interactions during infection or treatment using integrated datasets generated from a combination of high-throughput experimental approaches, including omics technologies and computational approaches. Importantly, the Centers must clearly integrate experimental approaches and computational modeling to test and validate hypotheses of significance to the infectious diseases field. 

Key Dates

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): February 15, 2017

Letter of Intent Due Date: February 15, 2017

Application Due Date: March 15, 2017, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

Scientific Merit Review: July 2017

Advisory Council Review: October 2017

Earliest Start Date: December 2017

Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D43)

Global Infectious Disease Research Training Program (D43)

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: PAR-17-057

Companion Funding Opportunity: PAR-17-058  D71 International Research Training Planning Grant

Funding Opportunity Purpose

This Funding Opportunity Announcement encourages applications for the Global Infectious Disease (GID) Research Training Program from U.S. and low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions. The application should propose a collaborative training program that will strengthen the capacity of an LMIC institution to conduct infectious disease research. FIC will support research-training programs that focus on major endemic or life-threatening emerging infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases, infections that frequently occur as co-infections in HIV infected individuals or infections associated with non-communicable disease conditions of public health importance in LMICs.

Key Dates

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): June 27, 2017

Letter of Intent Due Date(s): 30 days prior to the application due date

Application Due Date: July 27, 2017 by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow adequate time to make any corrections to errors found in the application during the submission process by the due date.

Scientific Merit Review: October 2017, October 2018, October 2019

Advisory Council Review: January 2018, January 2019, January 2020  

Earliest Start Date: March 2018, March 2019, March 2020

Grand Challenges Explorations Deadline 9-Nov-2016

Grand Challenges Explorations

This is a reminder that the application deadline for the latest round of Grand Challenges Explorations is November 9, 2016, 11:30 A.M. US Pacific Day Light Time.

Two-page proposals are being accepted online on the following topics:

• Assess Family Planning Needs, Preferences and Behaviors to Inform Innovations in Contraceptive Technologies
• Develop Novel Platforms to Accelerate Contraceptive Drug Discovery
• Design New Solutions to Data Integration for Malaria Elimination
• Accelerate Development of New Therapies for Childhood Cryptosporidium Infection

Initial grants will be US $100,000 each, and projects showing promise will have the opportunity to receive additional funding of up to US $1 million. Full descriptions of the new topics and application instructions in Chinese, English, French, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish are available here.

We are looking forward to receiving innovative ideas from around the world and from all disciplines. If you have a great idea, please apply. If you know someone else who may have a great idea, please forward this message.

Thank you for your commitment to solving the world's greatest health and development challenges.

The Grand Challenges Team
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