Research
The RMRCE research program is designed to emphasize basic research and translational activities that ultimately lead to products and information that address threats from naturally emerging pathogens or bioterrorism mediated events.
RMRCE research is centered around two integrated research focus (IRF) groups that target the thematic research efforts on bacterial therapeutics and viral therapeutics. The research and product development efforts of the IRF groups are directed at a variety of NIH Category A-C pathogens.
Three scientific cores and extensive BSL3 facilities within the region facilitate this effort. The RMRCE is committed to investigator-directed research programs. These programs include: Research Projects, Developmental Projects and New Opportunities.
Research Projects
The Research Projects are multi year awards that share a range of specialized interests and resources and provide strong interactions and synergies within the RMRCE. The objective of these awards is to support innovative, multifaceted research in areas that may yield discoveries leading to or facilitating the development of anti-bacterial or anti-viral products directed against NIH Category A-C agents. The RMRCE currently has fifteen Research Projects being funded.
Developmental Projects
The objective of these awards is to support high risk projects that offer potential for the development of novel approaches, reagents, or model systems and will advance biodefense and emerging infectious diseases (EID) research efforts. These projects expand the range and scope of the RMRCE network. A maximum of five Developmental Projects are awarded each year and funding can be for one or two years. The RMRCE currently has four Developmental Projects being funded.
New Opportunities
New Opportunity funds are used to support new components and activities within the RMRCE and to encourage collaborative relationships that benefit the national RCE network. These funds are applied to objectives such as: enhancing the scientific core capabilities of the Biodefense Network, encouraging inter-Center activities, and providing additional research, product development, and training opportunities. Funding is for one year and projects with the potential for product development of novel countermeasures are given highest priority.