The IDSA Foundation is celebrating 20 years of funding trailblazing research and investing in the diverse and talented ID workforce of tomorrow. As we commemorate our 20^th anniversary, we are reflecting on past milestones and thinking about goals for the next 20 years and beyond. Here, Virginia D. Banks, MD, MBA, FIDSA, shares a memorable moment in her career and what she hopes to see for the future of the field of ID.

Let us know how you’ve seen the field of ID progress throughout the years. What were some key advancements in your area of study? What changes would you like to see in the future? We want to hear from you! Share your answers on Twitter and tag @IDSAFoundation and use #IDSAF20Years.

Applications are now open for the 2021 IDea Incubator. We are proud to collaborate with Johnson and Johnson Innovation – JLABS (“JLABS”) for the second year in a row to encourage creative problem-solving and help drive innovation. Whether you’re an infectious disease physician, researcher or entrepreneur, if you have an idea that could improve ID care, we want to hear from you! 

Submit an application for the chance to present your idea in front of the ID community, receive valuable feedback from our panel of judges and be awarded up to $10,000 in funding. New this year, up to three IDea Incubator applicants may be selected for BLUE KNIGHT™ residency through JLABS, either at select physical JLABS locations or virtually. Applicants selected for BLUE KNIGHT™ residency may differ from IDea Incubator finalists.
 

Applications close July 8.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our families, our jobs and our community. Despite the unprecedented challenges we have all faced, many health care workers and essential employees have been working diligently over the last year in support of the ID community. From administrative staff to infection preventionists, we invite you to join us in saluting the unsung heroes of the pandemic by making a $20 donation in their honor. Over the next few months, the IDSA Foundation will highlight these individuals to show our gratitude and amplify the impact of their hard work. We hope you will join us in thanking a pandemic hero!

Fifteen years ago, Dr. Allison Aiello discovered a link between cognitive decline and an infection called CMV and knew she was on to something big. As the 2018 recipient of the IDSA Foundation's Microbial Pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s Disease Grant, Dr. Aiello was able to continue her research into the connection between microbes and early cognitive decline. The goal? To help improve early detection of Alzheimer's. Read the full story here.
 
Applications will soon open for the 2021 Microbial Pathogenesis in Alzheimer’s Disease Grant. Stay tuned as we share this year’s grant funding opportunities.

The IDSA Foundation’s corporate supporters ensure our work continues for years to come. Thanks to our generous partners, we are able to support trailblazing research, fund innovative programs and cultivate the next generation of diverse infectious diseases professionals. The following corporate partners have generously funded our ongoing programs or created new funding opportunities for medical students, researchers and ID specialists.