Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) highlight notice July 2011
The MRC has a longstanding track record in supporting global health research, particularly those which address the inequalities in health in developing countries. Within the overall MRC global health portfolio, the Infection and Immunity Board (IIB) plays a leading role in funding research on global infections and in particular HIV, TB and malaria.
Having recently considered the breadth of the portfolio it supports and the needs and opportunities in the field, IIB now wishes to encourage innovative, high quality, investigator-initiated research proposals in neglected tropical diseases as these impact so heavily on the health and wellbeing of populations in resource poor settings.
Neglected tropical diseases
NTDs are primarily infectious diseases that thrive in impoverished settings, especially in the heat and humidity of tropical climates (1). Many NTDs are parasitic diseases, with varyingly complex transmission cycles, while others are spread by contaminated water or infested soil. The current WHO list of 17 NTDs may not be exhaustive, as other neglected infections may be of greater epidemiological importance than is currently recognised. Once widely dispersed, these diseases are now increasingly concentrated in settings of extreme poverty, in urban slums or conflict zones and thrive in conditions of impoverishment. For some NTDs there have been significant inroads to their control (2). However, there remain a number of NTDs for which new tools or approaches to reduce the burden of disease are desperately needed. This may ultimately include better diagnostic tools, new drugs and vaccines or other interventions, including vector control. In all cases, these would need to be affordable and suitable for implementation under field conditions, where health care facilities are lacking.
Highlight Notice
While IIB already supports some research in this area, we now wish to encourage a wider range of applications in NTDs (including parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses). The disease does not need to be on the WHO list but a clear demonstration of the importance of the disease will be expected in your application.
Research proposals are invited from across the spectrum of research from scientific discovery to applied clinical studies, but should be aligned to the research needs in the particular disease and have a translational context. Applications may range from basic studies which explore important cellular and molecular mechanisms; discovery of new biomarkers; key epidemiological research; through to applied clinical or field research. IIB also recognises that there may be opportunities for collaborative links between different research teams with complementary skills and expertises.
A number of grant types are available through the Infection and Immunity Board including new investigator research grants, research grants, programme grants and the developmental clinical studies scheme.
(Large scale trials are not within remit and should be directed to the global health trials scheme).
- Please apply for this Highlight notice using the Je-S application system. See ‘Transfer to Je-S’ for more information.
- Use the appropriate funding scheme (proposal type) for the Infection and Immunity Board. Please see our deadline dates page for the next submission dates. The highlight will remain open until July 2012 .
- Please include the words NTD Highlight Notice at the beginning of the title of your research application.
- If your research involves an industry co-investigator you will also need to complete a MICA form with your application.
If you have a query please contact mailto:morven.roberts@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
1) First WHO report on neglected tropical diseases 2010: Working to overcome the global impact of neglected tropical diseases
2) WHO neglected Tropical Diseases Hidden Successes, Emerging Opportunities