Applications invited for Microbiota & Women's Health International Call for Projects

About the Grant

The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation (BMF) invites applications for its annual Microbiota & Women's Health International Call for Projects, supporting innovative international research into the role of microbiota in women's health and disease. For this year's call, the focus is on “Unraveling male-female genital microbiome interactions: mechanisms, transmission, and impact on vaginal dysbiosis.” The programme supports both clinical and fundamental research projects that can advance understanding of genital microbiome interactions and their implications for women's health.

Theme of the Grant

• The current call focuses on understanding the interactions between the male and female genital microbiomes, particularly how the penile microbiome may influence vaginal microbial health and conditions such as vaginal dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• Researchers are encouraged to investigate the mechanisms behind microbial transmission, persistence, adaptation, and their potential impact on treatment outcomes and recurrence.

Areas of Research

Proposals may address, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Penile and Vaginal Microbiome Interactions: Research investigating how the penile microbiome contributes to the establishment, persistence, and recurrence of vaginal dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis.

Microbial Transmission:

• Studies examining the transmission and exchange of microorganisms between male and female partners during sexual activity.

Microbial Adaptation and Persistence:

• Research exploring how BV-associated bacteria adapt to and persist within the penile environment.

Vaginal Microbial Stability:

• Studies investigating how male-female microbiome interactions influence the stability and composition of the vaginal microbial community.

Treatment and Interventions:

• Research assessing how antibiotics, topical or systemic partner therapies, circumcision, and live biotherapeutic products affect penile microbial ecology.

Treatment Response and Recurrence:

• Studies evaluating whether changes in penile microbial communities influence treatment effectiveness and the risk of recurrent vaginal dysbiosis in female partners.

Purpose of the Grant

• Beginning in 2025, the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation has established an annual international call dedicated to research investigating the microbiota and its implications for women's health and disease.
• Each year, an International Scientific Committee selects a specific research theme for the call. Both clinical and fundamental research proposals are eligible for consideration.
• The programme aims to support high-quality research that can contribute to a deeper scientific understanding of microbiota-related mechanisms and potentially advance approaches to women's healthcare.

Project Duration

• The maximum duration of a funded project is 3 years.
• Projects should have clearly defined research objectives, appropriate methodologies, and potential to contribute meaningful scientific knowledge within the selected theme.

Eligibility Criteria

• The grant is open to qualified researchers working in relevant medical and scientific fields.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Open to MDs, PhDs, or Pharm-Ds working in relevant subject areas.
• Relevant fields may include gynecology, obstetrics, microbiology, infectious diseases, internal medicine, oncology, and related disciplines.
• No geographic restrictions apply — researchers from all countries are eligible.
• A Principal Investigator who has previously received a BMF Women's Health International Grant cannot apply for this award again for three years.
• Winners of other BMF grant categories are eligible to apply.
• Members of the Women's Health International Scientific Committee, as well as members of their laboratories, are not eligible to apply as Principal Investigators.
• The grant is awarded through an eligible university, hospital, or other research institution and is not provided directly to individuals.

Grant Benefits

• Grant Amount: €200,000 per year
• Maximum Project Duration: Up to 3 years
• Funding Purpose: Equipment, research operations, and staffing costs
• Institutional Overhead: Capped at 10%
• Opportunity Type: International Research Grant
• Focus Areas: Microbiota, Women's Health, Genital Microbiome, Vaginal Dysbiosis, Bacterial Vaginosis, Microbiology, Infectious Diseases

For more information, please check the link: Microbiota & Women's Health International Call for Projects

Tags Children and Childcare Education and Education Technology (edtech) Healthcare and Healthtech Livelihood Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Women Empowerment Research