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:

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 of the Grand Challenges in Global Health and 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.

Topics for Grand Challenges Explorations Round 6 are:

• Design New Approaches to Cure HIV Infection;
• Create the Next Generation of Sanitation Technologies;
• The Poliovirus Endgame: Create Ways to Accelerate, Sustain and Monitor Eradication;
• Create Low-Cost Cell Phone-Based Applications for Priority Health Conditions;
• Create New Technologies to Improve the Health of Mothers and Newborns.

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

Following are some tips for grant seekers wishing to submit proposals:

• Proposals must represent an innovative approach responsive to the topic.  There are other avenues of funding for the equally important research that is within currently accepted paradigms.  Such work will not be funded under Grand Challenges Explorations.
  
• Proposals will be reviewed by a panel with broad expertise and a track record in identifying innovations – these reviewers may not be deep domain experts in your field.  Ideas should be described in clear language without the use of jargon unique to a particular field.
  
• Proof-of-concept for ideas need not be completed in Phase I. However, credible evidence supporting the validity of an idea, sufficient proof to warrant expanded support, and next steps for the project should be provided.