Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease
Supports innovative, multidisciplinary research by assistant professors on the mechanisms and host-microbe interactions underlying human infectious disease pathogenesis.
Funder: Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Due Dates: July 16, 2026 (Letter of Intent, 3:00 pm ET) | November 12, 2026 (Invited Full Proposal, 3:00 pm ET)
Funding Amounts: $505,000 total over 5 years; no indirect costs allowed; single investigator award.
Summary: Supports mid-to-late assistant professors pursuing innovative, multidisciplinary research on the pathogenesis of human infectious diseases and host-microbe interactions.
Key Information: Applicants must be at least 36 months into their assistant professor appointment and based at a nonprofit institution in the US or Canada.
Description
This program provides substantial support to accomplished, independent assistant professors investigating the mechanisms of human infectious disease pathogenesis. Emphasizing innovative and high-risk research, it funds studies that explore critical interactions between humans and infectious agents, spanning molecular to systemic levels. The program encourages multidisciplinary approaches, including work on under-studied, emerging, or established infectious diseases, and welcomes research in excellent animal models relevant to human health. Projects connecting pathogenesis to climate change or integrating vector biology are also encouraged. The award is intended to give recipients flexibility and freedom to pursue transformative research directions.
