The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Research Council of Norway (RCN) will collaborate to promote research in the field of human vaccination through joint projects, spanning for three years, as part of the programme for global health and vaccination research.

The programme, carrying a total fund of 10.5 million dollars, will aim at strengthening and expanding research that can contribute to sustainable improvements in health in low and middle-income countries. This will include development of knowledge and tools to combat the major disease burden in these countries and strengthening international collaborations.

The Indo-Norwegian project, for which proposals have been already invited, is based on the bilateral collaboration since 2006 in the field of vaccination research. Proposals from investigators-driven research initiatives with interactive collaborative efforts across institutions and disciplines in areas of human vaccination research have been invited. Both RCN and DBT will provide matched financial support to promote the development of the vaccination sector in India and Norway. This will also create a foundation on which the two countries may cooperate on marketing new discoveries and related product/process development, sources said.

The project will encourage research in vaccination against diseases HIV/AIDS, respiratory and enteric infections, tuberculosis, influenza, meningococcal disease and human papilloma virus.

Projects should run over a period of 3 years, and must be completed by the end of 2012. The Indian side will initially grant funding for a period of 3 years, with the possibility for a one year extension.

Earliest possible start of projects is January 1st 2010. The Research Council of Norway will fund the activities proposed by the Norwegian investigator(s), while costs proposed by the Indian investigators will be provided by the DBT.

A major part of the global burden of disease affects marginalized populations in low- and middle-income countries who experience excessive morbidity, disability and mortality due to a number of infectious and non-infectious diseases. Annually an estimated 10.5 million children get affected by these diseases in these countries.

The projects will be research in the field of global vaccination aiming at providing existing and improved vaccines for marginalized populations, especially children, in low- and middle-income countries.

This includes epidemiological studies, the development and evaluation of new or improved vaccines, implementation of vaccination strategies, and studies to measure the costs and outcomes of such strategies, sources said.