Deadline: 1-Feb-23
MATRIX is seeking innovative research applications for the development of new HIV prevention drugs and strategies, multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs), and technologies that enable HIV prevention strategy development and have the potential to strengthen capacity in targeted countries.
The scientific objective of this RFA is to support the development of innovative, potential game changer research by supporting students, new/early investigators, and established researchers and collaborative teams from a broad range of entities.
MATRIX is funded by USAID and is led by Dr. Sharon Hillier and Dr. Thesla Palanee-Phillips.
Areas of Research Interest
- Development of novel anti-HIV products, MPTs, and next-generation active pharmaceutical ingredients for prevention of HIV infection;
- Development of new or optimized drug delivery systems that address current gaps in HIV prevention products and MPTs by offering new and/or improved drug delivery options to MATRIX’s target populations. Products that are systemic (e.g., injectable) or topical (e.g., vaginal) will be considered;
- Development of laboratory techniques and/or diagnostic tools with increased sensitivity and/or precision that facilitate the preclinical and/or clinical development of new HIV prevention products;
- Development/optimization of new approaches for local manufacture of HIV and MPT products. Novel/optimized synthesis approaches for new and established anti-HIV/antiviral and MPTs that reduce the cost of manufacture and/or facilitate production in low- and middle-income countries are encouraged;
- Development of novel, sensitive, and accurate point-of-care HIV diagnostics, antiHIV/antiviral drugs, and/or contraceptive components of MPTs.
Award Information
MATRIX expects the following:
- Number of awards: They anticipate issuing up to three awards. The number of awards is contingent on submission of meritorious applications, available funds, and the applications’ applicability to MATRIX’s mission and objectives;
- Award budget: Up to US$150,000. Budgets should be detailed, reasonable, and realistic;
- Award project period: The duration of the awarded project is up to 18 months, depending on the proposed scope of work and timeline. A single no-cost extension up to an additional 6 months may be requested. Requests must be submitted formally 2 months prior to the end date of the award.
Eligibility information
- The proposed research project must address a critical need for HIV prevention product or MPT development that meets the goals and objectives of the MATRIX consortium and USAID;
- Applicants from US, Kenyan, South African, or Zimbabwean institutions (universities; private, for-profit or nonprofit small companies; university researchers and research consortia/programs; and innovation or incubation hubs) consisting of students, postdoctoral fellows, and new/early and established investigators with an active research program are invited to apply. Foreign nationals from Kenya, South Africa, or Zimbabwe working in the United States are eligible to apply;
- Proposed research must be driven by milestones, go/no-go criteria, and timelines, and must target development of HIV prevention for one or more of the following populations: adolescent girls and young women, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and female sex workers;
- The proposed research project must be original, innovative concept;
- Principal investigators (PIs) must have the skills, knowledge, and institutional resources necessary to carry out the proposed research;
- For applications proposing mentoring of students, postdoctoral fellows, or early/new investigators, the applicant must identify a mentor or mentor team and document the experience of the mentors. The applicant must provide a mentoring/training plan;
- Projects that would use funds to provide material support or resources to individuals, entities, or organizations of countries that have been identified by the United States Department of State as state sponsors of terrorism are ineligible. The countries currently identified are Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria;
- Project applications can be submitted by MATRIX’s existing partners;
- Applicant organizations or PIs may submit more than one application, provided that each application does not overlap with, and is scientifically distinct from, other submitted applications.
For more Information, visit MATRIX Technology Accelerator Domain 1.