Find Funding for Genetic Research on Ricksettial Pathogens

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Consider responding to the new NIAID grant funding opportunity announcement (FOA) Genetic Tools for Understanding Rickettsial and Related Infections (R61/R33, Clinical Trial Not Allowed).

The FOA supports a two-phased approach that enables a dedicated period of tool development followed by the use of those tools to address gaps in our knowledge of select rickettsial diseases:

  • Phase I: Develop improved tools and utilize them to produce and functionally characterize mutant variants of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Orientia, or Rickettsia species that cause disease in humans.
  • Phase II: Use the strains and tools generated in Phase I to address fundamental questions of rickettsioses and/or rickettsial biology in order to improve our understanding of rickettsial transmission, survival, pathogenesis and/or host immunity. 

Your proposed research may use both random and targeted mutagenesis approaches to study these pathogens. NIAID also encourages the following:

  • Research strategies that generate useful mutations across multiple genes or pathogens, or that produce targeted mutants of multiple genes previously identified for their proposed role in rickettsial pathogenesis.
  • New approaches that may overcome existing barriers or that expand the potential transformant utility beyond that obtained with traditional methods.

NIAID intends to commit $2 million to fund six to eight Exploratory/Developmental Phased Awards (R61/R33) in fiscal year 2024. Corresponding to the two scientific phases described above:

  • R61 (Phase I): Provides up to $175,000 in annual direct costs for up to 3 years of milestone-driven research.
  • R33 (Phase II): As appropriate, NIAID may choose to provide up to $250,000 annually in direct costs for 2 additional years.

For complete details on the two phases, milestones, transition package, nonresponsive topics, eligibility, and other requirements, be sure to check the FOA linked above.

Applications to this FOA are due February 14, 2023. Send your optional Letter of Intent at least 30 days before the due date.

Direct your questions to the scientific/research, peer review, or financial/grants management contacts in Section VII of the FOA. Find general application guidance and advice from NIAID at Apply for a Grant.

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Email us at deaweb@niaid.nih.gov for help navigating NIAID’s grant and contract policies and procedures.

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