National Institute of Health

KNIH (Korea National Institute of Health)- 2024 Grant Program

Official announcement on international collaborative research for vector-borne viral infections

(Sponsored by the Korea National Institute of Health)

1. Preface

Climate change is expanding the geographical range of infectious diseases and increasing the possibility of domestic introduction of non-endemic infectious diseases, highlighting the need for continuous international cooperation in global infectious diseases response.

Need to establish an international co-operation system through collaborative research with local endemic countries on potential domestic outbreaks and emerging infectious diseases that could be introduced, and to secure research capabilities for preemptive preparedness and response.

2. Project Details

2.1. Research Title

International Collaborative Research on Vector-Borne viral infections

2.2. Research period

After the contract, 2024 - December 2026

(1st Year) After the contract, 2024 – March 31 2025

(2nd Year) April 1 2025 ~ December 31 2025

(3rd Year) January 1 2026 ~ December 31 2026

2.3. Funding

Annual fund for project will be about USD 72,000 (KRW 100,000,000) per year

The total or yearly budget will be adjusted with the results of evaluation

2.4 Countries

Vector-borne viral infections like dengue must be endemic in the country

2.5. Research objectives

To collect research resources and establish a foundation for international collaborative research to respond to vector-borne viral infections

2.6. Research Areas of Focus

 ○ Collecting and Providing Research Resources Related to Vector-Borne Viruses

   - (Clinical Specimens) Collecting and providing clinical specimens from patients with acute febrile illnesses, including dengue and other vector-borne viral positive specimens

   - (Pathogens) Isolate pathogens using positive clinical specimens and obtain and provide viral genomic information

 ○ Investigation of the Occurrence of Vector-Borne Viral Infections in Patients with Acute Febrile Illnesses

   - Identify causative pathogens using collected unidentified clinical specimens and collect pathogens

 ○ Characterization of vector-borne viral infectious diseases and pathogens(Joint research)

   - (Immunological Characteristics) Identify and analyze immune factors such as antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, and cytokines based on patient characteristics

   - (Viral Characteristics) Molecular genetic and phylogenetic analysis based on viral genetic information, analysis of viral infectivity and pathogenicity

 ○ Development and validation of diagnostic technologies for vector-borne viral infectious diseases

   - (Diagnostics development) Jointly develop and establish diagnostic systems for pathogens requiring new or advanced testing systems

   - (Efficacy Evaluation) Evaluate and verify the usefulness of KNIH-developed diagnostic kits (genetic detection systems, etc.) using clinical specimens

3. Affiliation

Government institute, university, hospital, etc.

4. Reporting System

The application should be written in English in MS Word format and submitted via email by July 17, 2024

5. Key Dates

   - Application opens July 3, 2024

   - Application due July 12, 2024

   * The letter of intent(LOI) and project proposal should be submitted via email (haeji.kang@korea.kr)

6. Other

   - The research period and funding support for this project may be subject to change based on the performance and results of the participating institutions

   - IRB approval and a material transfer agreement from the performing institution are required for this research project

7. Contact

(28159) 187, Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do,

Division of Acute Viral Diseases,

National Institute of Infectious Diseases(NIID), National Institute of Health(NIH), Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA), South Korea

email: haeji.kang@korea.kr TEL: +82-43-719-8423, FAX: +82-43-719-8484

Download

• Research Proposal(Form)