Press Releases

Applications open for infectious diseases research grants programme

The Health, Welfare and Food Bureau invites the research community to apply for a second round of grants under the Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases (RFCID).

The $450 million RFCID aims to encourage, facilitate and support research into the prevention, treatment and control of infectious diseases, in particular emerging infectious diseases, a spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said today (November 29).

The fresh call for grant applications underlines the importance the Government attaches to research into infectious diseases. "New knowledge generated by scientific research will further strengthen the evidence base of our public health control and preventive programmes," the spokesman said.

Researchers from the public or private, academic or service sectors in Hong Kong may apply for grants. Collaborative research with Mainland and overseas institutions will also be considered. 

The closing date for this round of applications is February 14, 2004. All applications will undergo a two-tier peer review process, first by the Referee Panel and later by the Grant Review Board.

Applications will be judged on the basis of scientific merit, local relevance, research capacity of the administering institution, track records of applicants, "value for money" of the proposals, and ethical considerations.

Guidance notes and application forms are available at the Research Fund Secretariat, Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, 20/F, Murray Building, Garden Road, Central, or http://www.hwfb.gov.hk/grants. 

Enquiries can be made by fax to 2840 0467 or by email to rfs@hwfb.gov.hk.

Ends/Saturday, November 29, 2003
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