OVERVIEW: IDSA addresses the most dangerous infectious diseases in the world.

IP TAKE: IDSA a good funding source for young investigators working to combat some of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

PROFILE: The leading cause of death around the globe of people under 60 is infectious disease. According to a report by Trust for America’s Health, infectious diseases cost the U.S. more than $120 billion annually. The IDSA Education and Research Foundation (IDSA ERF) is the philanthropic arm of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. It seeks to "[a]ttract the best and brightest to the field of infectious diseases, support research by promising young scientists, enhance the educational development of ID and HIV professionals, and ensure that decisions about infectious diseases issues are well-informed by science." The foundation makes grants but also supports fellowships, mentorship, and scholarship to young investigators, fellows, scientists, and clinicians focusing on infectious diseases. While IDSA makes some awards, it largely supports research and the creation of a new generation of health professionals capable of handling harrowing infectious diseases.

It offers the PFIZER Young Investigator Award in Vaccine Development, to grant seekers with “a demonstrated commitment to vaccinology as a career." This two-year grant is for $60,000.

The Young Investigator Award in Infectious Diseases is a one-year, $40,000 grant given to young scientist conducting “research on investigations relevant to advancing our understanding of antimicrobial resistance and that advance the optimal approaches to antimicrobial stewardship.”

Applications for IDSA awards are deadline driven and prioritize investigators not currently receiving active grant support.