Call for Grant Applications – Build Partner Capabilities to Counter Global Biological Threats
Organisation Name:
The Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN)
Application Deadline:
January 17, 2025
About Organisation
The Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) focuses on countering global biological threats through the Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) and its Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP). BEP is dedicated to securing and protecting high-risk biological materials, including pathogens and synthetic biology, from misuse and threats related to biotechnologies, genomic data, and laboratory systems. The organization works internationally, supporting foreign partners in strengthening biosecurity policies, risk assessment, and technical capacity to prevent the proliferation of biological weapons. BEP collaborates with governments, research institutions, labs, and professional organizations to ensure safe, responsible use of life sciences, safeguard data, and establish standards for biosecurity.
About the Grant
The ISN/CTR’s Biosecurity Engagement Program offers funding to build partner capacities in countering biological threats globally. This grant supports biosecurity by enhancing risk assessment, mitigating cybersecurity vulnerabilities in biological labs, and promoting the secure handling of synthetic biology and genomic data. BEP aims to help partners develop national policies for biosecurity, train staff on cyber risks, and establish bio-risk management standards. Projects may also include working with biosafety associations to promote best practices and prevent data theft or research misuse, ensuring a safe and responsible scientific environment. BEP’s funding supports sustainable partnerships, helping countries meet international biosecurity standards.
Who can Apply?
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based and foreign nonprofit organizations, research institutions, public international organizations, and businesses. Universities, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and public or private institutions of higher learning may also apply. BEP welcomes applications from entities capable of training and engaging various stakeholders, including laboratory managers, policymakers, research scientists, and data managers. Priority is given to projects in selected countries where biosecurity and cybersecurity threats are high. Eligible applicants must demonstrate an understanding of biosecurity challenges and the capacity to implement projects advancing the safe use and protection of biological data and resources.
How to Apply?
Submit all application materials in English through the official portal, adhering to specified formatting guidelines: single-spaced, 14-point Calibri font, with 1-inch margins.
Application Deadline
The final date for submissions is January 17, 2025.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
