The Gnatwork has funding available to pump-prime collaborative studies that bring together researchers from around the world and across vector groups (blackflies, sandflies, biting midges).
Their second pump-prime funding call, Transformative Science, will fund projects that investigate specific areas of preliminary research that are sufficiently novel to lead to future, large-scale funding. The call is worth £300 000, with a maximum cap of £100 000 for a single project (smaller scale projects are encouraged). A maximum of four-six projects will be funded, of six, nine or twelve months in duration. They are looking to support projects which link to researchers in countries receiving official development assistance (ODA) and generate data to underpin future external funding applications.
There is a two stage application process. Applicants will be first asked to submit an expression of interest, which will be reviewed by the Gnatwork Network Management Board. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal.
Research areas could include:
- Designing a novel surveillance technique for vectors
- Comparative behavioural studies across the three vector groups (e.g. oviposition; studies of semiochemicals; resting sites)
- Development of novel control methods (including GM-based technologies)
- Novel approaches to mathematical modelling of interventions and/or insecticide resistance
- Trials of vector competence using field or genetically modified pathogens
- Examining the social impact of specific diseases spread by these vector families
- Linking vector occurrence data and taxonomy to mapping of disease occurence
- Machine learning applications
Find out more and how to apply here.
