Dear Partners,
We are pleased to share a new funding opportunity launched by the Wellcome Trust (UK) in partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
This call supports the formation of transdisciplinary research teams to develop an innovative concept for a future clinical trial aimed at optimising licensed infectious‑disease interventions for high‑burden LMIC settings across Africa, South Asia, and South‑East Asia. It focuses on preparing the foundation for a future randomised controlled trial (RCT) on one of the following disease areas: mycobacterial infections, bacterial infections, invasive fungal infections, dengue, leishmaniasis, or schistosomiasis.
Why is this relevant for Lebanese universities?
This call presents a valuable opportunity for Lebanese universities to leverage their strengths in infectious‑disease research, epidemiology, and clinical‑trial methodology. The award encourages institutions to take part in international partnerships across LMIC settings, expand their scientific networks, and strengthen early‑stage trial preparation capacities. It also offers meaningful engagement with major global research funders and supports the development of trial‑ready expertise aligned with WHO standards, enhancing the role of Lebanese academia in global health research.
Funding
- Up to £200,000 per award
Maximum duration: 24 months
Eligibility
- At least two applicants per team (lead + co‑applicant), up to eight applicants total per team
- 50% of applicants must be based in Africa, South Asia, or South‑East Asia. Partners may come from any country worldwide.
Lead applicant must be a mid‑career or established researcher
Key Dates and Link
- Information webinar: Monday 23 March 2026
Deadline : Tuesday 19 May 2026
Next Steps
- Review full call documentation
- Select one of the eligible infectious‑disease focus areas
- Identify required partners in Africa, South Asia, or South‑East Asia
- Form a compliant multidisciplinary team
- Draft a concept focused on preparatory trial work (pilot data, protocol design, community engagement)
- Prepare the application and submit via the Wellcome platform once open
