Although NIGMS is not the only source of federal funding for sepsis research, the Institute supports a substantial portfolio of research that includes both fundamental and clinical studies, from the molecular to the organismal, that emphasizes the host's response rather than causative factors such as infection or injury. In an effort to more rapidly move NIGMS’ sepsis research program and its translation forward, we’ve issued a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain feedback, comments, novel ideas, and strategies that address the challenges and opportunities in sepsis research to accelerate advances in detection of and treatment for this condition. We invite key extramural community stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers in academia and industry, and scientific societies and advocacy organizations, as well as from interested members of the public, to provide input. Topics that could be addressed include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The current barriers that hinder advancement of research related to sepsis;
• Gaps in currently supported research areas and approaches;
• Utility of current animal models, including the possible use of research organisms other than the standard mouse models;
• The appropriate mix of fundamental and clinical sepsis research; and
• The need, if any, for shared resources.

Responses can be submitted via an online form and can be anonymous. The due date for providing input is August 31, 2018. If you have any questions about the RFI, please let me know.