The Research Investment for Global Health Technology Foundation, commonly known as the RIGHT Foundation, said it opened its grant application aimed at significantly enhancing health equity in infectious disease sectors within low- and middle-income countries. 

The foundation is focusing its funding on three key areas – general research into infectious diseases, and specific areas such as monoclonal antibody biopharmaceuticals and diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The first category, general infectious disease research, seeks proposals for the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic platforms designed to mitigate infectious diseases prevalent in underprivileged regions. This includes supporting technology transfer to local entities or partner institutions within Korea.

In a more targeted approach, the RIGHT Foundation's second category focuses on monoclonal antibody biopharmaceuticals. This funding stream supports projects aimed at reducing the production costs of monoclonal antibodies for diseases with pandemic potential, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and malaria.

The third category is dedicated to advancing diagnostics for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Funding is available for projects developing on-site diagnostic tests for infections such as gonorrhea chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and syphilis.

The foundation will accept applications until Dec. 31 for general research and May 27 for specialized fields.

Notably, the foundation will cooperate with the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) for certain projects for the diagnostics of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

This joint project focuses on the development of diagnostic tests for STIs, and applicants interested in this initiative must submit their proposals by May 6. Detailed selection criteria and application processes are available on the FIND website, offering researchers access to FIND’s expertise in technology development, policy, and clinical studies.

Each selected project could receive up to 4 billion won ($2.9 million) in funding, marking a significant investment in the global fight against infectious diseases. The foundation emphasized it is looking for projects that can produce concrete, actionable results to reduce the disease burden in underprivileged regions.

More details on application procedures and eligibility criteria are available on the RIGHT Foundation's website.