Gates Foundation issues a ‘Grand Challenge’

Looking for studies that seek to provide solutions to some of the roadblocks encountered in polio eradication.

20110506_Girl_dropping The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is seeking submissions for round seven of their ‘Grand Challenges in Public Health’ initiative. As part of this challenge, the Foundation is calling for research proposals under the topic ‘The Poliovirus Endgame: Create Ways to Accelerate, Sustain and Monitor Eradication’.

Some examples include studies into novel and improved vaccines, and studies into new diagnostic methods. The Foundation is seeking proposals that may be “off the beaten track” and daring in premise, and are clearly differentiated from approaches currently being developed or employed. 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. Proposals will be accepted until May 19. More