Bay Area Lyme Foundation: Emerging Leader Award Grant

The Bay Area Lyme Foundation's Emerging Leader Award supports innovative research in Lyme disease, offering two $150,000 grants to post-doctoral and early-career scientists. Applicants are encouraged to propose proof-of-concept projects that enhance diagnostics or therapeutics. The award seeks to attract talent and foster scientific leadership in biomedical sciences. Evaluation criteria include the potential for novel therapies, scientific rationale, and support from institutions. This opportunity is ideal for those new to tickborne disease research.

The Bay Area Lyme Foundation Emerging Leader Awards (ELA) recognize both established and up-and-coming researchers bringing new approaches and creative thinking to the field of Lyme disease.
These grants support new and innovative projects and aim to attract aspiring new scientific talent to the field of Lyme and other tickborne pathogen research. Candidate applications must include a viable proposal for a proof-of-concept project to be funded, in part or in sum, by the grant award.
We will be awarding two $150,000 ELA grants to researchers in academia or the private sector who are currently at the post-doctoral level through associate professor level or equivalent. Those who have not previously worked in Lyme or tickborne disease research are encouraged to apply.
While we are particularly interested in applicants who have identified a defined approach to improving diagnostics or therapeutics for Lyme and other tickborne diseases, this award is open to all areas of research needed for patients. Important criteria include demonstrated professional and scientific leadership in the biomedical sciences, as well as a strong supporting scientific rationale for the project.
Evaluation Criteria
Potential for research to lead to a novel therapy or diagnostic for Lyme disease
Scientific rationale supporting the application (perhaps validated in another field)
Applicant’s track record for project execution
Support from Principal Investigator and affiliated institution
Co-investigators will be considered on a case by case basis but may not receive more than 33% of the total grant amount
Timeline: Application shows sufficient potential to generate initial proof of concept within 12–24 months

Eligibility

Who Qualifies:Affiliated with an academic or research institution in the U.S. or corporate equivalent
Demonstrated professional and scientific leadership in biological and medical sciences
Exhibited scientific curiosity and an established pattern of creative thinking
A defined approach to improved diagnostics or therapies for Lyme disease