Introduction

This funding opportunity, "International partnership: Ecology and Evolution of Infectious Diseases," is a collaborative effort between UKRI and Defra, aiming to support research projects that delve into the ecological, evolutionary, and social drivers of infectious disease transmission.

The program focuses on understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases in animals, humans, and plants, using a quantitative or mathematical approach combined with qualitative principles. The program encourages multi-disciplinary research teams to address the complex interplay between biological, environmental, and socioeconomic factors affecting infectious disease transmission and evolution.

Scope of Work

The program welcomes research projects that encompass all host species (animal, human, and plant), all pathogens (bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses), and all ecologies and habitats.

The central theme of submitted projects must be the quantitative, mathematical, or computational understanding of pathogen transmission dynamics. Projects should be broad and multi-disciplinary in nature, with implications extending beyond the study system used.

Areas of particular interest include emerging zoonotic pathogens, co-infection or microbial interactions, fungal pathogens and anti-fungal resistance, and diseases of plants or crops.

Eligibility

The collaborative projects must include a project lead from the US who will lead the submission through the National Science Foundation (NSF) process. The UK project lead’s institution will be responsible for receiving and distributing funding to UK institutions.

UK researchers can apply for research projects, research coordination networks (RCNs), and planning proposals with partners from the USA, China, or Israel. Applicants for the UK component must meet the UKRI eligibility rules and be based at a higher education institution, research council institute, UKRI-approved independent research organization (IRO), eligible public sector research establishment (PSRE).

Budget and Duration

The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1 million, funding available for up to four years. UKRI will contribute £3 million, funding 80% of the FEC. Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will contribute £1 million to support UK components of EEID proposals, funding 100% of the FEC of successful project(s).

UKRI and Defra together expect to fund up to five research projects, or a greater number of RCNs or planning proposals, depending on quality, demand, and strategic alignment to the priority areas.

Additional Information

The program emphasizes the importance of multi-disciplinary teams, bringing together expertise from life scientists, mathematicians, computational scientists, ecologists, clinicians, veterinarians, and social scientists. Prior to submitting your application, it is strongly advised that you contact the UKRI program lead using the email address EEID@bbsrc.ukri.org to discuss your proposal. Applications that have not been discussed prior to submission may be rejected.

Key Date

• Opening date: 30 August 2024 9:00am UK time

• Closing date: 20 November 2024 4:00pm UK time

Application Process

• The UK project lead is responsible for completing the application process on the Funding Service.

• Prior to preparing your application, it is strongly advised that you contact the UKRI program lead using the email address EEID@bbsrc.ukri.org to discuss your proposal.

• Prior to submission of your application to the Funding Service, please save a copy of your application to provide to the US project lead.

• Select ‘Start application’ near the beginning of this Funding finder page.

• Confirm you are the project lead.

• Sign in or create a Funding Service account.

• Answer questions directly in the text boxes.

• Send the completed application to your research office for checking.

• Your research office will submit the completed and checked application to UKRI.

Selection Process

• Proposals will be assessed through the National Science Foundation (NSF) peer review process.

• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Defra will make the final funding decision in conjunction with other funding partners.

• Funders aim to complete the assessment process within six months of receiving your application.

Contact Information

• For questions related to this specific funding opportunity, please contact eeid@bbsrc.ukri.org

• Any queries regarding the system or the submission of applications through the Funding Service should be directed to the helpdesk.

• Email: support@funding-service.ukri.org

• Phone: 01793 547490

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.