The announcement aims at seeking concept proposals in communicable disease research in North-East India such as Vector borne Diseases (Malaria, filaraisis, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chikungunia, West Nile Virus and resurgence of kala azar); Viral diseases (Hepatitis B virus infection with C, D and A and I circulating genotypes); HIV/AIDS and drug abuse; bacterial infections; diarrheal diseases and parasitological which may be developed into full adhoc proposals on approval. In addition, proposals in areas of non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart diseases, lifestyle diseases, neurology, nephrology, disability, ENT, ophthalmology etc. may also be submitted.

Under this initiative, the principal investigator would have to identify the  problem and gaps in technology which need fortification and institutes outside the region with which collaboration would be useful. Researchers should focus on the health problems of the NE region and the component of technology transfer should be inbuilt in all collaborative projects, where one of the institutions is from outside the region. Other institutions including agriculture, IIT and universities could also apply for funding from ICMR, provided there is a medical or public health benefit in the proposal. Such proposals could also be in the form of collaborative projects wherein medical colleges can also be provided.

The deadline for submission of concept proposals is July 20, 2014.

North-eastern India shares international borders with neighboring countries like Bhutan, China, Myanmar and Bangladesh, and being a gateway to South East Asia, attains specific importance for various problems due to  emerging and re-emerging of communicable diseases and cross border transmission. The focus of projects in North East are primarily to conduct translational research so as to cater to the health problems of North East India, for the benefit of people and public health welfare. The PI must be from the north-east region of India.