Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease
Supports mid-to-late assistant professors pursuing multidisciplinary research on the mechanisms of infectious disease pathogenesis at the host-microbe interface.
Funder: Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Due Dates: July 16, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline (LOI) | November 12, 2026: Invited full proposal deadline
Funding Amounts: $505,000 total over five years; career development award for assistant professors; no indirect costs allowed.
Summary: Supports mid-to-late assistant professors in advancing multidisciplinary research on the pathogenesis of infectious diseases at the host-microbe interface.
Key Information: Applicants must be at least 36 months into an assistant professor position at a nonprofit U.S. or Canadian institution.
Description
This program provides substantial support to mid-to-late assistant professors who are pursuing innovative research on the fundamental mechanisms underlying infectious diseases. The focus is on multidisciplinary projects that investigate the complex interactions between human hosts and infectious agents, including colonization, infection, commensalism, and related relationships at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. The intent is to encourage high-risk, high-reward studies that could significantly advance the field of infectious disease pathogenesis. The program welcomes research on under-studied pathogens, emerging diseases, and projects that integrate perspectives from microbiology, immunology, vector biology, and even climate change as it relates to infectious disease.
