Deadline: 01-Jun-2026
Pfizer is offering a research grant to support pediatric pneumococcal disease surveillance in Saudi Arabia. Grants of up to USD 400,000 over three years will fund studies on serotype distribution, vaccine impact, and antibiotic resistance in children under five, strengthening evidence-based healthcare strategies.
Overview
The Pfizer Research Grant supports studies addressing critical knowledge gaps in pediatric pneumococcal disease in Saudi Arabia. Despite over 20 years of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) use, gaps remain in serotype distribution, disease burden, and antimicrobial resistance.
Key research objectives include:
- Surveillance of invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease in children under five
- Analysis of serotype-specific distribution using samples collected between 2023 and 2029
- Investigation of genetic evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae following PCV immunization
- Assessment of antibiotic sensitivity patterns in young children
- Generation of robust epidemiological data to guide public health policy
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Organizations based in Saudi Arabia
- Principal Investigator (PI) with medical, scientific, nursing, or pharmacy qualifications
- PI must be affiliated with the applying institution
- Collaborative or multicenter studies are encouraged, with all participating entities having clearly defined roles
- The primary applicant must maintain a central role in project management
Funding and Duration
- Maximum funding: USD 400,000 per project (higher amounts considered case-by-case)
- Maximum project duration: 3 years
- Funding is intended to support:
- Study design, sample collection, and analysis
- Cohort surveillance (prospective or bidirectional)
- Laboratory testing and genetic analysis
- Data management and reporting
How to Apply
- Verify eligibility for the institution and Principal Investigator
- Develop a research plan including objectives, methodology, sample size, and analysis plan
- Define roles and responsibilities for all collaborating centers
- Submit the application through Pfizer’s grant submission portal
- Ensure a clear plan for data generation, analysis, and reporting to inform public health strategies
Key Considerations and Tips
- Focus on children under five, aligning with WHO and national immunization priorities
- Use prospective or bidirectional cohort surveillance designs to ensure robust and actionable data
- Include antimicrobial resistance testing to guide treatment policies
- Highlight collaboration, technical capacity, and feasibility of data collection
- Align project timelines with the 2023–2029 surveillance period
Expected Impact
- Strengthen pediatric infectious disease surveillance in Saudi Arabia
- Provide evidence-based insights for vaccine policy and public health strategies
- Improve understanding of serotype evolution and antimicrobial resistance
- Support clinical and policy decisions for improved child health outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to apply?
Organizations based in Saudi Arabia with a qualified Principal Investigator affiliated with the institution. - What is the funding limit?
Up to USD 400,000 per project, with higher funding considered individually. - What is the project duration?
Maximum of three years. - Can multiple centers collaborate?
Yes, multicenter collaborations are encouraged, provided roles are clearly defined. - What research methods are recommended?
Prospective or bidirectional cohort surveillance designs for robust epidemiological data. - Which age group is targeted?
Children under five years of age. - What data should be collected?
Serotype distribution, vaccine impact, genetic evolution of pneumococci, and antibiotic sensitivity patterns.
Conclusion
The Pfizer Research Grant in Saudi Arabia represents a strategic opportunity to fill critical gaps in pediatric pneumococcal disease knowledge. Funded studies will strengthen disease surveillance, guide public health strategies, and support evidence-based interventions to improve child health outcomes.
For more information, visit Pfizer.