The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is taking applications for a new round of funding under its Grand Challenges Explorations grant program. The program, in its second year, aims to fund research that tackles developing world problems using innovative technologies and "unorthodox ideas."

Since last fall, three rounds of grants have mainly funded research on infectious diseases, such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, but this fourth round of funding adds a new subject area: contraception.

"The goal of this topic is to solicit novel and innovative approaches to preventing unintended pregnancy," reads the Gates Foundation website. "We seek proposals that are 'off the beaten track,' daring in premise, and clearly different from the approaches currently being developed or employed. Overall, increasing contraceptive uptake will not only require increased supply in the developing world but a larger range of choices for women and men so that their specific needs can be met in an appropriate, safe, culturally sensitive and cost-effective manner."

Examples of projects the foundation may consider include novel methods that work after ovulation, that interfere with sperm delivery, or that rely on immunology, among others.

As before, successful applicants get $100,000 to start their projects, with the potential for an additional $1 million or more in funding if the project shows promise after one year.

Applications for the new grants must be in to the foundation before November 2, and winners will be announced next May.


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Thousands vie for Gates grants
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