Call for Emerging Infections Network for Travel-associated Infectious Disease Research (US)

The CDC International Travelers Infectious Disease Research Program supports research to improve the detection, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of infectious diseases affecting international travelers. The programme aims to strengthen outbreak detection, patient care, genomic surveillance, and global health security.

Funding Summary

• Funding Programme: CDC International Travelers Infectious Disease Research Program
• Funding Organisation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Funding Area: Infectious Disease Research and Global Health Security
• Total Estimated Funding: US$30,000,000
• Award Range: US$1,750,000 to US$6,000,000
• Project Components:
  • Component A: Clinic-based sentinel network
  • Component B: Sentinel detection in international transportation hubs
• Eligible Applicants: Government entities, educational institutions, nonprofit organisations, tribal organisations, and eligible private organisations

About the Programme

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) International Travelers Infectious Disease Research Program supports research focused on infectious diseases affecting people who travel internationally.

The programme aims to generate evidence and insights that improve public health responses by strengthening understanding of disease detection, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, transmission patterns, and health outcomes among international travelers.

Through research partnerships and sentinel surveillance systems, the initiative seeks to improve early outbreak identification and strengthen global health security efforts that protect communities in the United States and internationally.

Objectives of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Improve detection of infectious diseases among international travelers.
• Generate evidence to guide prevention and treatment strategies.
• Improve clinical care through better disease understanding.
• Strengthen genomic surveillance approaches.
• Enhance diagnostic and treatment methods.
• Support global health security priorities.

Research Focus Areas

Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance

The programme supports research that improves the identification of infectious diseases among travelers.

Activities may include:

• Early detection of emerging infections.
• Surveillance system strengthening.
• Identification of disease trends.
• Monitoring of international health threats.

Prevention and Public Health Guidance

Research findings are expected to support:

• Development of prevention strategies.
• Public health recommendations.
• Travel-related health guidance.
• Improved preparedness for infectious disease threats.

Diagnosis and Treatment Improvement

Projects may examine:

• Diagnostic approaches.
• Treatment strategies.
• Disease progression.
• Patient outcomes.

The goal is to improve healthcare responses for travelers affected by infectious diseases.

Genomic Surveillance

The programme supports improved use of genomic information to:

• Identify pathogens.
• Monitor disease changes.
• Support outbreak investigations.
• Improve public health decision-making.

Programme Components

Component A: Clinic-Based Sentinel Network

Component A focuses on establishing or strengthening clinic-based surveillance systems.

Research activities may include collecting and analysing information from healthcare settings to better understand infectious diseases among international travelers.

Component B: Sentinel Detection in International Transportation Hubs

Component B focuses on surveillance and detection at international transportation locations.

This component aims to improve identification of infectious disease threats entering through travel networks.

Applicants may apply for:

• Component A only.
• Component B only.
• Both Component A and Component B.

If an application covering both components receives the highest ranking, Component B will be awarded.

Expected Outcomes

The programme is expected to contribute to:

• Faster detection of infectious disease outbreaks.
• Better understanding of diseases affecting travelers.
• Improved clinical care recommendations.
• Stronger surveillance systems.
• Enhanced genomic monitoring capabilities.
• Improved U.S. global health security.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments.
• Native American tribal organisations other than federally recognized tribal governments.
• State governments.
• County governments.
• City or township governments.
• Special district governments.
• Independent school districts.
• Public housing authorities or Indian housing authorities.
• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
• Private institutions of higher education.
• Nonprofit organisations with or without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education.
• For-profit organisations other than small businesses.

Application Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience conducting infectious disease research.
• Capacity to manage large-scale surveillance activities.
• Ability to analyse health data.
• Expertise in public health, clinical research, or epidemiology.
• Capability to collaborate with relevant health partners.

Selection Considerations

Applications may be assessed based on:

• Scientific quality of the proposed research.
• Relevance to infectious disease priorities.
• Ability to improve surveillance and response systems.
• Organisational capacity.
• Research expertise.
• Potential public health impact.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

• Clearly describe the infectious disease challenges being addressed.
• Explain how research findings will improve public health practices.
• Demonstrate experience with surveillance networks.
• Include strong data management and evaluation plans.
• Highlight partnerships with healthcare and public health institutions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting proposals unrelated to international travelers.
• Failing to describe practical public health applications.
• Not explaining surveillance methods clearly.
• Providing weak research outcomes or evaluation plans.
• Ignoring collaboration requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of this CDC funding opportunity?

The programme supports research to improve understanding, detection, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases affecting international travelers.

How much funding is available?

The CDC estimates total programme funding of US$30 million, with individual awards ranging from US$1.75 million to US$6 million.

Can applicants apply for both programme components?

Yes. Applicants may apply for Component A, Component B, or both components.

What are the two programme components?

Component A supports clinic-based sentinel networks, while Component B supports sentinel detection at international transportation hubs.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include government agencies, universities, nonprofit organisations, tribal organisations, and eligible private organisations.

Conclusion

The CDC International Travelers Infectious Disease Research Program provides significant support for research that strengthens infectious disease surveillance and global health security. By improving detection systems, diagnostic approaches, treatment strategies, and outbreak response capabilities, the programme aims to better protect travelers and communities from emerging infectious disease threats.