About

The Microbiota and Women’s Health International Grant Program (MWHIGP) 2025 invites research proposals examining the role of microbiota in women’s health and disease. The 2025 call focuses on understanding the mechanisms, transmission patterns, and health impacts of male-female genital microbiome interactions, with particular emphasis on vaginal dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). The program provides a grant of €200,000 to support research conducted through eligible institutions worldwide, with projects lasting up to three years. Funding may cover equipment, operational expenses, and research personnel costs, while institutional overheads are capped at 10% of the total award. Proposed research may explore the contribution of the penile microbiome to the initiation, persistence, and recurrence of vaginal dysbiosis; microbial transmission dynamics between partners; adaptation of BV-associated microbial taxa; and the impact of interventions such as antibiotics, partner-directed therapies, circumcision, or live biotherapeutic products. Projects related to sexually transmitted infections other than bacterial vaginosis are not eligible for funding.

Eligibility

Applicants must be MD, PhD, or Pharm-D researchers affiliated with a university, hospital, or other recognized research institution and working in relevant disciplines such as gynecology, obstetrics, microbiology, infectious diseases, internal medicine, or oncology. Applications are accepted from all countries, with no geographic restrictions. Grants are awarded to institutions rather than individuals, and proposals must include a detailed budget and implementation timeline. Previous recipients of the Women’s Health International Grant must wait three years before submitting a new application. Members of the Scientific Committee and researchers applying from their laboratories are not eligible to serve as Principal Investigators. Funding decisions will be based on the scientific relevance and quality of the proposed research, alignment with the 2025 thematic focus, methodological rigor, feasibility, and the potential contribution to advancing knowledge of genital microbiome interactions and women’s health outcomes.

Post Date: October 13, 2026