The Male Contraception Initiative (MCI) has announced its 2017 Request for Proposals. Up to $500,000 in funding over three years is available to one or more recipients for research to advance the development of a new, reversible male contraceptive. The 2017 call specifically targets pre-clinical research and sets several parameters:
The research effort must focus on a non-hormonal target.It cannot address sperm production nor apply an immunological approach.Research should be directed at late-stage sperm maturation; research on early sperm development will be viewed as out of scope.Sperm function and sperm transport are eligible research areas.
Each prospective applicant must submit a single-page Letter of Intent summarizing a proposed research plan and strategy before March 1, 2017. One week later, MCI will notify those applicants whose research ideas merit further consideration through development of an expanded 6-page proposal. The due date of invited full applications is May 1, 2017.
The Durham, North Carolina-based Male Contraception Initiative promotes the development of male contraceptive methods through educational outreach and by working with researchers across the globe to make male contraceptive options a reality.