Each round of the Grand Challenges Explorations initiative awards grants against a set of specific topics. In general, topics are chosen according to three major criteria:

• The topic fits within the goals and disease priorities of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• The topic contains a roadblock where radical, new thinking is needed for the discovery of an effective health solution
• Potential projects within the topic are likely to be well suited for the phased structure of the initiative

In addition, we consider whether a topic will engage the participation from scientists outside traditional global health disciplines, as well as researchers working in the developing world.

For each round of Grand Challenges Explorations, applicants are asked to focus their proposals on specific topics where creative, unorthodox thinking is most urgently needed. Interested applicants should:

 
To read topics for past Grand Challenges Explorations rounds, please click here.

• The "One Health" Concept: Bringing Together Human and Animal Health for New Solutions - new! blog
• Increasing Interoperability of Social Good Data - new! blog
• Develop the Next Generation of Condom - new! blog
• New Approaches for Detection, Treatment, and Control of Selected Neglected Tropical Diseases blog
• Labor Saving Strategies and Innovations for Women Smallholder Farmers blog