Calling all experts on infectious disease bioinformatics! Consider applying through NIAID’s new Bioinformatics Resource Centers (BRCs) for Infectious Diseases (U24, Clinical Trials Not Allowed) notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to create bioinformatics knowledgebases, technologies, outreach, and training.
Scientific Summary
Your BRC will support the research community in NIAID Mission areas on NIAID-relevant pathogens, including those in the List of Emerging Infectious Diseases and other pathogens based on NIAID’s Prototype Pathogen Approach for Pandemic Preparedness.
In your application, you must address the entirety of at least one of the following two biological domains:
- Viral families; bacteria and archaea; and metagenomics, microbiome, and viromes relevant to infectious diseases.
- Eukaryotic (e.g., unicellular including fungi and parasites) pathogens and metazoan (e.g., helminths) pathogens, vectors for human pathogens, and hosts-pathogen interactions relevant to biomedical research.
Whether you choose one or both biological domains, you must address the entire set of elements listed for your chosen domain(s). Do not mix and match or omit elements.
In support of research on your chosen biological domain(s), describe how your BRC will create and provide access to the following:
- Interactive knowledgebase(s) for relevant omics-based data and analysis.
- Research and development of innovative bioinformatics tools, software, and algorithms.
- Access to leading-edge expertise in bioinformatics for the infectious diseases' community for complex or unique situations and during emerging needs, outbreaks, and public health emergencies.
This article provides only a brief overview; be sure to check the NOFO for full details on specific research objectives, scope, key elements, BRC governance, site visits, and other requirements.
Deadline, Budget, and More
Applications are due by August 25, 2023, at 5 p.m. local time of your applicant organization. Send your optional Letter of Intent 30 days before you apply.
NIAID will make awards through the U24 cooperative agreement activity code. Find a general overview of cooperative agreement awards in our October 19, 2022 article “Applicants—Understand What a Cooperative Agreement Signifies.”
Propose a project period of up to 5 years and a budget to fit the scope of your project’s actual needs. The direct cost limit is based on the number of biological domains you propose:
- For one biological domain, budgets are not expected to exceed $2,500,000 annual direct costs
- For two biological domains, budgets are not expected to exceed $4,800,000 annual direct costs
Direct your application inquiries to Dr. Wiriya Rutvisuttinunt, the scientific/research contact, at wiriya.rutvisuttinunt@nih.gov or 301-771-1065. For peer-review related inquiries, contact Dr. Richard Kostriken at richard.kostriken@nih.gov or 240-731-2021.