The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) is pleased to inform the University Community that Wellcome Trust in partnership with the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) using UK international development funding from the UK government is inviting applications for its Infectious Disease Clinical Trial Award: Optimising Interventions for Impact. This scheme provides funding to support clinical trials that aim to improve interventions against infectious diseases, ensuring they deliver maximum impact in diverse global contexts.

 Award Amount and Duration

Between £1,000,000 – £8,0000,000 per award for 3-5years (for between 8 – 12 awards).

 The pharmaceutical intervention (vaccine or therapeutic) must focus on one of the following disease areas:

• mycobacterial infections (tuberculosis, leprosy or infections with non-tuberculous mycobacteria)
• bacterial infections (sexually transmitted infections, lower respiratory tract infections or bloodstream infections)
• invasive fungal infections
• dengue, leishmaniasis or schistosomiasis  

 Eligibility

• Applicants should be mid-career or established researchers from low or middle-income countries in Africa with the capacity to lead substantial clinical trial programmes focused on infectious diseases.
• Includes a lead applicant and at least one co-applicant based at an organisation in Africa, South Asia or South‑East Asia, both of whom intend to remain resident in that country for the duration of the award.
• Teams must not exceed eight applicants (lead applicant and seven co-applicants). There is no limit on the number of collaborators.
• Has at least 50 percent of applicants based in Africa, South Asia or South-East Asia. Teams may include coapplicants based at eligible organisations in other parts of the world.
• Aim to optimise interventions for effectiveness, accessibility, and equity.
• Demonstrate potential to generate significant shifts in understanding or practice in infectious disease control.
• Include collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure responsible research and an inclusive culture.
• Strengthen research capabilities and leadership skills, particularly in low- and middle-income country contexts.

 Funding Webinar

Monday 23 March 2026. Register with this link.

 Deadline

15.00 BST on Tuesday 2 June 2026

 For more information on the call, kindly visit this Link.

 Interested applicants should write to rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh with alasante@ug.edu.gh in copy to indicate their intention to apply for institutional guidance and administrative support.