Elucidating the Functional Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Viral Infectious Diseases (NIH)

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: RFA-AI-18-025

R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

Funding Opportunity Purpose
The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to support Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) applications to uncover functional roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in viral infectious diseases. Importantly, studies should focus on functional characterization and mechanistic studies of previously identified ncRNAs. 

Research Objectives and Scope
The objective of this FOA is to stimulate hypothesis-driven research to facilitate transition of the ncRNA field from discovery toward a deeper mechanistic understanding of the function and regulation of ncRNAs, which will serve as a foundation for future translational research efforts.

This FOA is intended to support research on both host and viral ncRNAs including, but not limited to, those involved in

Viral transcription and replication
Regulation of host response to infection
Pathogenesis
Disease progression and severity
Response to vaccination or treatment

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

Award Budget
The combined budget for direct costs for the two-year project period may not exceed $275,000. No more than $200,000 may be requested in any single year.

Award Project Period
The total project period may not exceed 2 years. 

Key Dates
Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): October 15, 2018

Letter of Intent Due Date(s): October 15, 2018

*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: March 2019
Advisory Council Review: May 2019
Earliest Start Date: July 2019
Expiration Date: November 16, 2018

Deadline
Application Due Date(s):
November 15, 2018 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.

Full details: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AI-18-025.html

Mobile Health: Technology and Outcomes in Low and Middle Income Countries (NIH)

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number: PAR-18-242

R21 Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant

Funding Opportunity Purpose

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to encourage exploratory/developmental research applications that propose to conduct research to develop or adapt innovative mobile health (mHealth) technology specifically suited for low and middle income countries (LMICs) and determine the health-related outcomes associated with implementation of the technology. Of highest interest are innovative, well-designed multidisciplinary projects that aim to generate generalizable knowledge for the field.

The overall goal of the FOA is to contribute to the evidence base for the use of mobile technology to improve clinical outcomes and public health while building research capacity in LMICs and establishing research networks in this area. Applicants are required to propose partnerships between at least one U.S. institution and one LMIC institution and the proposed research plan should strengthen the mHealth research capabilities at the LMIC institution.  

Research Objectives and Scope

This FOA encourages research projects that study the development/adaptation and effectiveness of mHealth tools and/or interventions for the prevention, diagnosis, management, and treatment of specific health conditions or for disease agnostic/cross-cutting applications. Applicants are encouraged to propose research projects that have the potential to provide an understanding of principles underlying effective mHealth interventions or tools that are generalizable to the field.

Applications should have a strong emphasis on health-related outcomes upon application of the tool or intervention and should include rigorous study designs. Pilot studies that are necessary for more comprehensive future research projects may be proposed. Formative research that is necessary for technology development or project implementation (e.g. research on cultural acceptability) may be one aspect of the proposed research.

This initiative aims to support projects that adapt or develop technologies that are appropriate for LMIC settings. A plethora of mHealth applications and devices have been developed in high-income countries, however, these technologies are not necessarily suitable for the needs of individuals in LMICs. Research that focuses on the problems and constraints in LMIC environments should produce more effective interventions and tools and may result in more sustainable mHealth use, especially if there is involvement from LMIC stakeholders, such as businesses, hospitals, or governments.

Eligibility

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

Award Budget

Applicants may request up to $125,000 direct costs per year.  

Award Project Period

The total project period may not exceed 2 years.  

Key Dates

Open Date (Earliest Submission Date): August 1, 2018

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

*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: February/March 2019

Advisory Council Review: May 2019

Earliest Start Date: July 2019

Expiration Date: September 1, 2018

Deadline

Application Due Date(s): 
August 31, 2018 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.

Full details: https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-18-242.html

Notable Award:
Duke University
Novel mHealth Technologies to Enhance PrEP Adherence among Thai YMSM: Collaborative Adaption and Evaluation