Research Funding

Basic & Translational Research on the Zika Virus RFA

2016 Request for Applications

Deadline:  July 10, 2016
Download the complete NNA RFA 2016 Zika Virus final
Link to program announcement and forms

Program Guidelines

The Nebraska Neuroscience Alliance Endowed Fund (NNA) and the Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders Multiple Sclerosis Research Excellence Fund at the University of Nebraska Foundation are pleased to announce the first request for proposals for basic and translational research on the Zika Virus (ZIKV) and its complications.

This grant will support a single award up to $85,000 supporting an interdisciplinary research team for studies on the immunologic, virologic or neurodevelopmental consequences of ZIKV exposure during pregnancy, the early postnatal period and/or its linkages to autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis. The research would focus primarily on the ability of ZIKV infection to alter the developing central nervous system, including relevant cognitive and behavioral outcomes. NNA program staff will also review and consider applications over a broad range of disciplines beyond the listings of the RFA.

Applications need to include a research plan up to six pages with specific aims, background, preliminary data, research plan and intended outcomes including federal grant proposals, along with a detailed budget and biographical sketches of participating faculty members.

The deadline for submission is July 10, 2016 with review and funding decisions made by August 1, 2016.

Areas of priority include:

  • Investigations of the mechanisms by which ZIKV affects the developing nervous system.
  • Studies of virus-cell biology, replication cycle, cytopathicity and modes of entry.
  • Studies of immunity at the cellular and innate levels.
  • Studies to identify risk for sequelae in exposed but uninfected infants.
  • Investigations of the developing nervous system in regards to sites of viral replication and secondary glial-neuronal responses.
  • Studies to assess and characterize the neurodevelopmental consequences of ZIKV infection.
  • Use of unique biomarkers to assess infection and secondary sequelae.
  • Vaccine development and preventative strategies.

Contact Information

Howard E Gendelman, MD, email or 402-559-8920

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