The present Request for Proposals (RFP) is meant to catalyze additional research on preterm birth and stillbirth associated with preterm birth, including attracting investigators new to the field of reproductive sciences. While these conditions are but a few of the number of adverse pregnancy outcomes, their primary importance is reinforced by: (1) the lack of existing widely applicable preventative solutions, (2) the broad applicability and particular relevance to developing world settings, (3) the likely overlap in causal exposures and biological mechanisms, (4) the wide array of data and hypotheses available upon which to develop proof-of-concept studies for novel pathways and interventions; and (5) the compelling burden of disease globally.

The primary goals of this RFP are to:
1. Explore underlying mechanisms leading to preterm birth or stillbirth (associated with preterm birth) with emphasis on the role of infection, inflammation, and poor nutrition.
2. Complete funded studies within three to four years that provide critical discoveries and evidence to guide development and testing of new interventions or refine the application of existing interventions. Support for clinical trials will not be provided in the context of this RFP. It is expected that studies funded in this RFP will illuminate potential targets based on basic causes and mechanisms for new intervention development focused on prevention in future clinical trials.

These primary goals are in support of a broader plan to bring new investigators, novel technologies, and global attention to the field of maternal, neonatal, and child health. Projects may include relevant animal models or in-vitro studies. Ultimately, we envision the establishment of collaborative networks of researchers in high-burden settings. We expect these collaborations to offer open and broad-based sharing of specimens, research approaches, protocols, and data essential to discovery studies.

If you would like to apply for funding, please review the Request for Proposal and Letter of Inquiry instructions below. When you are ready, download and complete the Letter of Inquiry form and complete Steps 1 and 2 in the "Apply Now" section. Scientists in the developing world are encouraged to apply.

Request For Proposal:

Letter of Inquiry instructions:

http://gappsseattle.org/docs/PPB_LOI_instructions.pdf 

Source and More Information:

Closing Date: January 13,2011:

PSIPW is an international award judged by leading scientists from around the world. Five prizes are bestowed on a bi-annual basis.

Worth US$ 266,000, the Creativity Prize is by nomination only. Universities, university departments, research institutes, companies, and agencies can nominate individuals and teams of researchers for this Prize. The Creativity prize awarded to an innovator or pioneer for any water-related scientific work that can rightly be considered a breakthrough in any water-related field. The work might be a body of research, an invention, or a new patented technology.

Each of the four Specialized prizes is worth US$ 133,000. Researchers, research teams, and organizations nominate themselves for these Prizes:

Surface Water Prize: 

Covering every aspect of the study and development of surface water resources.

Covering every aspect of the study and development of groundwater resources.

Covering desalination, wastewater treatment, and other nontraditional sources of water.

Covering the use, management, and protection of water resources.

Each Prize is accompanied by a distinctive trophy and certificate.

Creativity Prize
Value :	$266,000
Nominators:	universities; university departments; research institutes; companies; water organizations and agencies
Candidates :	individual researchers, research teams
Eligible Works:	published research papers, published books, and registered patents within the past 5 years

Specialized Prizes
Value :	$133,000
Nominators:	self nomination
Candidates :	individual researchers, research teams, water organizations
Eligible Works:	published research papers, published books, and registered patents within the past 5 years

Source and More Information: