Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI)
Australian Centre for HIV and Hepatitis Virology Research
Over the past 19 years, ACH4 has supported translational research in the areas of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and now human T-lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1). In 2023, ACH4 will continue to support translational research into these four viral infections.
ACH4 is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) in applied research from qualified scientists to fund research projects aimed at: i) developing vaccine candidates for HIV, HBV subtypes, HCV or HTLV-1; ii) developing preventatives such as HIV microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); iii) cure and treatment interventions for HIV, HBV, or HTLV-1, including immunotherapy iv) novel diagnostics and prognostics for HIV, HBV, HCV, HTLV-1 or hepatitis B/C/HIV/HTLV-1 co-infection; v) molecular tools for tracking epidemics caused by these viruses; and vi) development of new tests for supporting vaccine and antiviral trials. Basic research is not eligible, and grants aimed at development of new direct-acting antivirals against HCV are also not eligible.
Research projects based on clinical data and specimens from patients with HIV, HCV and HBV stored by the Immunovirology Research Network (IVRN) are encouraged.
The grants are intended to complement and translate basic research projects in the virology and immunology of HIV, HBV, HCV and HTLV-1 that are commonly funded by other granting bodies such as NHMRC. The ACH4 grants are not intended for the basic research itself.
Funding is available from 1 December 2022 to 30 September 2023 for grants up to $50,000.
Eligibility: applications are welcome from Australian investigators regardless of their university or research institutional affiliation except those designated as CI-A on another grant from the Australian Government Department of Health G05055 Blood Borne Viruses (BBV) and Sexually Transmissible Infections (STI) Research Program as CI-A. Only one application per laboratory leader is allowed in view of the reduced funding for this round. (A laboratory leader would ordinarily be at the level of a university senior lecturer or research fellow or above)
ACH4 grants will be awarded to the administering organisation through which the CIA submits their application. All awards will be governed by a participant agreement (between the participant organisation and The Westmead Institute for Medical Research representing ACH4). All administering organisations awarded a grant will be required to enter such an agreement.
Guidelines explaining further details and eligibility criteria of this funding is available at www.ach2.org.au/apply or:
Joanne Reidy
Administration Officer, ACH4
The Westmead Institute for Medical Research
PO Box 412
Westmead NSW 2145
Phone: (02) 8627 3004 / Email: joanne.reidy@wimr.org.au
Expressions of Interest close at 5:00 pm AEST on Monday 12 September 2022
Areas of Research: HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HTLV-1