Due to the current Continuing Resolution, the Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) Defense Appropriations bill has not been passed. Although funds have not been appropriated for the Department of Defense Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP), the TBDRP is providing the information in this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan and develop ideas for submission to the anticipated FY18 funding opportunities.
Applications submitted to the FY18 TBDRP must address at least one of the following specific Focus Areas in Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases:
• Diagnosis
◦ Accurate diagnostics for Lyme disease and co-infections and/or other tick-borne diseases
◦ Biomarkers to identify tick-borne diseases or their products in humans
◦ Diagnostic biomarkers for Lyme disease that distinguish between active infection and previous exposure, and/or monitor response to treatment
• Pathogenesis
◦ Immunological mechanisms of immune protection for Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases
◦ Complex biology of Lyme borrelia in the host (beyond in vitro studies), including its survival, evasion of the host immune system, and subversion of the effectiveness of antibiotics
◦ Biomarkers that aid in exploring underlying mechanisms of persistent symptoms associated with Lyme disease
• Prevention
◦ Identification, validation, and/or improvement of tick-targeted prevention and control interventions
◦ Human vaccines for tick-borne diseases
• Treatment
◦ Antibiotic combinations and/or therapeutic options for treating acute and persistent illness
Investigator-Initiated Research Award
-To fund highly rigorous, high-impact studies that have the potential to make important contributions to Lyme disease and other tick-borne disease research, patient care, and/or quality of life.
Eligibility- Independent investigators at or above the level of Associate Professor (or equivalent).
Idea Award
-To fund conceptually innovative, high-risk/potentially high-reward research in the early stages of development that could lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will accelerate progress in improving outcomes for individuals affected by Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne illnesses
Eligibility- Independent investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent)
Career Development Award
- To fund early-career investigators to conduct impactful research under the mentorship of an experienced tick-borne disease researcher.
Eligibility- Principal Investigator (PI):
Investigators within 10 years of completing terminal degree (excluding time in medical residency or on family medical leave) at the time of application submission, working to become independent investigators who exhibit a strong desire to pursue careers in tick-borne disease research; time spent as a postdoctoral fellow is not excluded
Mentor: Independent investigators at or above the level of Associate Professor (or equivalent); must have a proven publication and funding record in tick-borne disease research
The PI and Mentor do not need to be located in the same organization.
Deadlines and Application Guidelines
FY18 TBDRP Program Announcements and General Application Instructions for the following award mechanisms are anticipated to be posted on Grants.gov in April 2018. Pre-application and application deadlines will be available when the Program Announcements are released.
For more info- http://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/press (Look for Tick-Borne Disease Research Program)
