The mission of the Bay Area Lyme Foundation is to fund the research and development of novel diagnostics and treatments for Lyme disease. They aim to support innovative approaches that bring new vision into the field, regardless of the researchers' prior experience with Lyme disease research.
The Bay Area Lyme Foundation Emerging Leader Awards aim to recognize and nurture both established and emerging talents in Lyme disease research by funding innovative projects. This grant is designed to attract new scientific talent to the field and supports projects regardless of the applicant's prior experience with Lyme disease research. The award, amounting to at least $150,000, targets researchers from the post-doctoral level through to associate professor level in both academia and the private sector. A significant emphasis is placed on projects with the potential to improve diagnostics or therapeutics for Lyme disease, yet all facets of Lyme disease research are considered. Successful applicants are expected to exhibit professional and scientific leadership, alongside a viable proposal that promises initial proof of concept within 12–24 months. Criteria for evaluation include the potential of the research to lead to new diagnostics or therapies for Lyme disease, the scientific rationale supporting the application, the applicant's track record, support from the Principal Investigator and affiliated institution, and the involvement of co-investigators.