On 12 February, 2014 CRDF Global, Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation (SRNSF) and the Georgian Research and Development Foundation (GRDF) announced a competition to establish a Center for Pathogen Research and Education (CPRE) at a Higher Education Institution in Georgia.

The aim of this program was to support high-quality, innovative biological research in disciplines of interest to DTRA and of importance to the Georgian scientific community.

5 projects were submitted to this competition.

Based on the panel (consisting of U.S. and Georgian experts) recommendations, CRDF Global, GRDF and SRNSF selected 3 applicants as finalists. Finalists were notified and the team comprised of scientific experts, CRDF Global staff, and GRDF/SRNSF staff carried out site visits to each of the finalist universities and recommended the most meritorious applicant.

Taking into account the final decision made after a careful evaluation of the site visit and scientific panel recommendations, on 25 April, 2014 Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation’s Scientific Board approved for funding the project # 77985 – “Center for Pathogen Research and Education – Molecular Studies of Pathogens in Georgia” submitted by Ilia State University (Project Director – Prof. Revaz Solomonia)