Supporting Research on Microbes and the Built Environment

When beginning your next investigator-initiated application, consider the following NIH highlighted topic. The area of science described below is of interest to the listed NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs). This is not a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).

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Topic Description

Post Date: March 6, 2026

Expiration Date: March 6, 2027

Purpose

This topic is directed towards exploring the interaction of microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi, protists) with the human-built environment. 

Background

Understanding how various microbes interact with surfaces, materials, and environmental conditions can significantly enhance our ability to prevent microbial contamination and spread. These insights can drive the development of antimicrobial coatings, improved cleaning protocols, better ventilation systems, or smart materials that respond to microbial presence. Additionally, they can lead to new biotechnological tools for monitoring and controlling microbial populations that can address global health challenges and inform pandemic preparedness.

Participating ICOs

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

NIGMS prioritizes the discovery of generalizable principles related to the interaction of microbes with the human-built environment in the context of model systems and surrogate microbes rather than actual infectious agents. Areas of interest include but are not limited to:  

  • Characterization of microbes interacting with the built environment (e.g., identities, numbers, interactions with other microbes)
  • Investigation of the physical and chemical principles governing interactions, release, and viability of microbes on/in solids, liquids and gases related to the built environment
  • Investigation of modes of interaction between humans/other model hosts and microbes in the built environment
  • Technology development/improvement for microbe detection, sampling, and culturing

Applications from multidisciplinary teams including architects, engineers, epidemiologists, microbiologists, physicists, chemists, data scientists, and physicians will also be a higher priority for funding. 

IC may give special consideration to support meritorious applications in this topic area.
ICO Scientific Contact:
Michael Sakalian, Ph.D.
[email protected]

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