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Advancements in basic scientific research, medical science, and translational research and technology have opened new opportunities to create healthier lives for many. Unfortunately, the vision is often perceived through a myopic lens. Funding for well-publicized diseases, while laudable, often absorb the bulk of U.S. resources. Reaching outward beyond the privileged societies, there are many diseases that present a major global challenge and, in fact, account for much of the world's morbidity.
The Ellison Medical Foundation Global Infectious Disease Program was established to address this concern through support of biomedical research on parasitic and infectious diseases caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal or helminthic pathogens of major global public health concern that are relatively neglected in federally funded research within the U.S. The program centers on the most basic molecular and cellular mechanisms of disease, informed by the vision of how this can ameliorate some of humankind's most pressing problems.
The Global Infectious Disease Program aims to focus its support by placing emphasis on:
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*Investigations on model systems and familiar diseases are by no means precluded, but should be informed by a vision of their applicability to the global disease burden.
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The principal vehicle of support will be the subvention of individual research scholars in the full range from graduate students to established investigators. This will be supplemented by awards for conferences, publications and electronic communications, special training courses and infrastructure support for scientific-community oriented resources.
For the present, awards will be confined to U.S.- based institutions, but special attention will be given to encouraging collaborations with partner-institutions overseas offering the opportunity for exchange of students and training that merges laboratory skills and field experience. The Foundation, as in the past, will work closely with government agencies, international bodies and societies and other foundations with shared goals.
The Ellison Medical Foundation contributes toward the funding of the Biology of Parasitism Summer Course held at the Marine
Biological Laboratory. The course offers lectures and modern approaches for studying protozoan and helminthic parasites. See Summer Courses and Training Awards
For further information, contact:
Stephanie L. James, Ph.D.
Director, Global Infectious Disease Program
Deputy Director
The Ellison Medical Foundation
4710 Bethesda Avenue
Suite 204
Bethesda, MD 20814-5226
(301) 657-1830 (Phone)
(301) 657-1828 (Fax)
Contact Dr. James
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