The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has signed a Statement of Intent on Indo-US Collaboration on Expansion of Vision Research with the Department of Health & Human Services, Government of the United States of America, with the objective of translating research outcomes to develop potential interventions to reduce eye disease burden in India and the USA.

This call is intended to support research collaborations between the U.S. and India that focus on the basic biology and/​or genetics of ophthalmic diseases. Applications may be derived from existing collaborations with an established history of interaction, or from new partnerships developed in response to this call. The collaboration must be based on interactive relationships that maximize the expertise of the individual U.S. and Indian research teams and interactions between their parent institutions and granting agencies.

Joint research proposals are accordingly invited from interested researchers under the Indo-US collaborative programme on Vision Research especially under following research areas identified as high priority for funding:

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Genetics of Ophthalmic Diseases
• Ocular Inflammation

Investigators in India should use the DBT ​”R&D proposal format” available at http://​dbtin​dia​.nic​.in
and submit 1 soft copy of the of full length proposal duly forwarded by competent authority, by post to Dr. Vamsi Krishna, Scientist‑D, Department of Biotechnology, Room No. 726, Block‑2, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003. Email: vk.​addanki@​nic.​in Corresponding online application should also be made at www​.dbtepromis​.nic​.in, under the area ​“Medical Biotechnology-Vaccine Research and Diagnosis” which would be mandatory. The Indian side PI is requested to provide a 2 – 3 page document, from the US partner, in the proposal consisting of the objectives, methodology, the need for and the role of the Indian PI, and the timelines of the US side proposal along with the IPR issues as well as justification for Indo-US collaboration. 

Investigators in USA should follow RO1 application guidelines and applications should be submitted to NEI/NIH directly, with reference to their Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) by referring to the weblink (link). DBT will support research activities within India, salaries of Indian research personnel, and other expenses. NIH funding will similarly support salaries of U.S. personnel and research activities within the U.S.A. All applications are competitive and will be considered on merit as per the standing policy of NEI/NIH and DBT.

Last Date for receiving Application: 9^th November, 2017

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