Deadline: 2-Jul-21
The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs’ Office of Assistance Coordination (NEA/AC) and the United States Embassy in Tunisia, Assistance Unit seek proposals that improve scientific research in Tunisia to better prevent and treat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through the establishment of a simulation center that allows doctors and medical students to apply research and test new technologies and treatments.
Objectives
A successful project will result in:
- The establishment of a research and simulation center at SFM equipped with the resources and curriculum necessary to become a center of excellence for research on NCDs;
- Partnerships created between SFM and American university research centers to facilitate exchanges of information and experience focused on innovation and research; and,
- The establishment of commercially viable partnerships between SFM and the private sector to foster locally developed health-sector technologies.
Funding Information
- Estimated Initial Project Funding: $5,000,000
- Estimated Initial Award Ceiling: $5,000,000
- Estimated Initial Award Floor: $4,000,000
- Estimated Length of Initial Project Period: Three years
- Maximum Length of Project Period with Option Year(s): Five years
Project Areas
This notice identifies Three Priority Areas. Successful applicants will address each Priority Area and all of the components deemed required.
- Establishing the SFM Research & Simulation Center (Priority Area 1): In order to improve scientific research in Tunisia, it is important to first create a safe learning environment in which researchers and practitioners can test new clinical processes and enhance their individual and team skills. The first priority area therefore focuses on establishing a Research & Simulation Center at SFM, including the procurement of essential resources and the design of innovative programs and curriculum. Successful applicants shall develop additional activities, but the following components are required:
- In coordination with SFM and the MoH, support the establishment of a Research & Simulation Center through both physical procurement as well as technical assistance on the design, resourcing, and organizational structure of the Center;
- Conduct an assessment of the existing curriculum at SFM to determine if it includes the most current research on the prevention and management of NCDs;
- Design and launch special trainings and curricula in coordination with SFM, including an in-service training program targeting medical students and practicing GPs that is focused on prevention, care, and treatment of NCDs;
- Support the creation and implementation of a simulation laboratory for surgical care of NCDs;
- Deliver capacity building sessions to SFM instructors to improve the quality of education offered to medical students; and
- Identify methods and opportunities to expand successful, newly-created curriculum to other medical institutions in Tunisia.
- U.S. Research Linkages (Priority Area 2): The Tunisian medical community can benefit greatly from more opportunities for exchanges of information and experience with gold-standard medical professionals. Thus, the second priority area seeks to develop and leverage linkages with U.S.-based research institutions to strengthen SFM doctors’ innovation and research skills. Successful applicants shall develop additional activities, but the following components are required:
- Support the adoption of permanent partnerships between SFM and U.S.-based medical research institutions or universities, leveraging existing partnerships and creating opportunities for more post-graduate doctors; and
- Facilitate the creation of sustainable mechanisms for knowledge exchange between SFM students and U.S.-based researchers, such as mentorships, research fellowships and collaboration, and academic exchanges between the United States and Tunisia.
- Commercializing SFM Research (Priority Area 3): A key component of strengthening Tunisian medical institutions is commercializing research, as it ensures sustainable funding and boosts the Tunisian medical research community’s reputation. Therefore, the third priority area aims to connect SFM researchers with entrepreneurs and investors in Tunisia, the U.S., and internationally to drive collaboration on new health technologies and increase funding for important medical research. Successful applicants shall develop additional activities, but the following components are required:
- Create connections between SFM researchers and entrepreneurs to encourage collaboration that leads to either employment or other opportunities to monetize research;
- Establish channels for SFM researchers to engage with investors, with a focus on developing locally generated health technologies;
- Deliver capacity building sessions to SFM students on the patenting process in Tunisia in order to protect their intellectual property; and
- Develop mechanisms at the Center to attract students from regional countries and promote medical tourism to Tunisia.
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. or foreign
- Non-profit organizations;
- For-profit organizations;
- Private institutions of higher education;
- Public or state institutions of higher education;
- Public international organizations;
- Small businesses with function and regional experience in the areas of: good governance, human rights, or organization strengthening in the MENA and Africa regions
- To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicants SHALL:
- Have demonstrable previous experience working in the MENA region
- Have demonstrable previous experience working with government ministries and partners on medical and research programs
- Have demonstrable previous experience working with government ministries and partners on higher education initiatives
- Meet the requirements of the government of Tunisia to conduct programmatic activities within the country
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333718