IHII_banner art

Institute for Human Infections & Immunity (IHII)

IHII Mission Statement

The world-class infectious disease research programs of the University of Texas Medical Branch are breaking new ground in understanding the nature of infectious diseases, and are working to translate new research concepts into products aimed at controlling emerging infectious diseases and mitigating their effects on society. The programs of the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII) are the hub of infectious disease research at UTMB. The IHII’s mission is to coordinate, facilitate and enhance the activities of UTMB’s research centers and programs that focus on advancing the fields of infection and immunity.

IHII programs and centers include the Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), the Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases (CBEID), the Center for Tropical Diseases (CTD), the Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences (SIVS), the World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses (WRCEVA), the McLaughlin Endowment for Infection and Immunity, the Western Gulf Center of Excellence for Vector-Borne Diseases (WGCVBD), West African Center of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Sealy Center for Microbiome Research, and the W.M. Keck Center for Virus Imaging in BSL-3.

Scott C. Weaver, MS, PhD

Scott C. Weaver, MS, PhD
Director

Call for IHII FY2026 Short-term Seed Funds targeting DPRIT

The purpose of the IHII Short-term Seed Funds Program is to support innovative research projects for team building and proposal development targeting the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). Modeled on the successful CPRIT program, DPRIT aims to position Texas as a leader in dementia-related research and innovation. The initiative is backed by a proposed $3 billion from state general revenue over 10 years, with up to $300 million allocated annually. Texas voters have approved the constitutional amendment (Proposition 14) in the November 2025 election for DPRIT.

ELIGIBILITY

All UTMB employees with a faculty title are eligible.

Special consideration will be given to applicants who will develop collaborative, inter-disciplinary/inter-departmental projects.

Principal investigator (PI) must not have already received funding for the proposed project from other intramural or extramural resources; all related, pending proposals must be disclosed in your application.

FUNDING

$30,000, primarily to be used for data acquisition. All funds must be spent before August 15, 2026.

Proposals may be submitted by December 15, 2026. Download full instruction:  IHII FY2026 Short-term Seed Funds targeting DPRIT

 

 

 

Centers & Programs of the IHII