The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation, an independent organization dedicated to advancing research on microbiota, has opened applications for its prestigious 2024 USA Microbiome Research Grant. The foundation will award $50,000 to a promising US-based early-career researcher to support groundbreaking studies on gut microbiota and its role in human health and disease.
Supporting innovative microbiome research
Now in its eighth year, the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation’s annual grant underscores the foundation’s commitment to fostering innovation in microbiome research. “Grants provided by the Foundation reinforce our commitment to supporting early career researchers and their projects,” said Marie Emmanuel LeGuern, President of the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation. “Microbiome research is a cornerstone for redefining health and disease, paving the way for revolutionary therapeutic strategies and improved patient outcomes.”
Focus areas for 2024
The 2024 grant invites research proposals focusing on the theme “Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Disease.” Key areas of interest include circadian rhythms, neurological conditions, metabolic disorders, and oncology. This broad scope aims to attract diverse projects that could lead to significant advancements in understanding the gut microbiota’s impact on various health aspects.
Application process
Eligible researchers, specifically those with five or fewer years of experience in microbiota research, are encouraged to apply. The grant can be utilized for new or ongoing studies, covering full or partial project costs. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2024. The detailed application process can be found on the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation’s website under the Rules section.
Previous success stories
Dr. Shahla Bari, Assistant Professor in GU Oncology at Duke Cancer Institute and the recipient of the 2023 grant, exemplifies the impact of this funding. Her research on the gut microbiome and metabolome as predictors and modulators of response to immunotherapy in cancer treatment has made significant strides due to the foundation’s support.
“Winning the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation grant is not just a personal milestone, but a pivotal step in our journey to understand and harness the power of microbiota in cancer treatment,” said Dr. Bari.
Selection process
The foundation’s scientific board, comprising distinguished experts like Dr. Ruth Ann Luna from Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Mindy Engevik from the Medical University of South Carolina, and Dr. Erica Sonnenburg from Stanford University, will review the applications. The recipient will be announced in early December 2024.
The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation supports both foundational and applied research through annual grants. Its mission is to advance the understanding of microbiota’s interaction with various pathologies, disseminating knowledge to both scientific communities and the public to improve human health. For further information or questions about the USA Call for Projects, interested parties can contact the foundation via email at [email protected].
This initiative by the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation continues to play a vital role in pushing the boundaries of microbiome research, fostering new discoveries, and ultimately improving health outcomes globally.
