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Submitting White Paper Requests

An individual investigator or a collaborative group of investigators interested in proposing the construction of specific functional genomics resources or conducting a collaborative research project in gene expression studies, comparative genomics, proteomics, or bioinformatics as described above for the purpose of developing genomic/proteomic data sets that will have broad interest to the scientific community, may submit a "white paper" to the NIAID sponsored PFGRC for consideration. The paper must describe the proposed resource or research project and justify the development of the particular data set and its broad usefulness and interest to the infectious disease or biodefense research communities.

The PFGRC is not currently accepting white papers. The submission schedule for the next round of white paper proposals will be announced on this page.

  • The NIAID/PFGRC will only accept and review white papers that address microorganisms or their invertebrate vector of infectious diseases that are considered agents of bioterrorism or cause emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases and their related strains or species.
  • Investigators who are uncertain as to whether or not the proposed project submission is appropriate for the PFGRC are encouraged to contact the PFGRC Scientific Director, Scott Peterson at to discuss the specifics of the resource or research project being proposed.
  • A pre-proposal limited to two pages is highly encouraged. The pre-proposal should include:
    • The name of the PI
    • The PI’s institution
    • Contact information
    • Proposal title
    • A summary the proposed project and its relevance to the broader scientific community as well as efforts to obtain community input.
  • The white paper should not exceed ten pages and be sent via e-mail to the PFGRC Administrative Director at .

Priority will be given to white papers that adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Strong and clear justification for the reagent or research proposal related to the specific organism(s) including biomedical importance for infectious diseases, disease burden, and contribution to the advancement of understanding organisms considered agents of bioterrorism or causing emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and improving strategies for developing therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics.
  • Relevant scientific community’s depth of interest in having the proposed reagents or datasets for this organism or group of organisms. Describe the collaboration and consultation with the appropriate scientists for developing the proposed reagent or dataset since the reagent or dataset will be a resource for the scientific community.
  • Utility of the new reagent or dataset and the size of the scientific community who will use the resource. Discuss the readiness of the scientific community to use this resource.
  • Availability of other reagents or information that may be necessary to construct the proposed reagent or dataset such as DNA sequence, strain collections, growth and cultivation of the organism(s), preparation of subcellular fractions, etc.
  • Special emphasis should be given to documenting community input for the proposed project.