Funding for “RESEARCH 4 COVID-19” opens applications for 2nd edition

The FCT, in collaboration with the Agency for Clinical Research and Biomedical Innovation (AICIB), has opened the submission period for proposals for the 2nd edition of the exceptional RESEARCH 4 COVID-19 funding line in response to the current pandemic. Proposals may be submitted until 5:00 p.m. (Lisbon time) on May 15, 2020.

This RESEARCH 4 COVID-19 support seeks to fund R&D projects and initiatives that respond to the needs of the National Health Service (SNS) in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in a short period of time. In this second edition, the aim is for projects and initiatives to focus on the future evolution of the pandemic and its impact on health services and society, as well as on optimizing the appropriate response to the pandemic at various levels.

This second edition has a budget allocation of €2 million, coming from national funds from the FCT budget. The support will mainly be used to complement ongoing initiatives and to reorient existing teams, taking advantage of the scientific and technological capacity existing in Portugal with the ultimate goal of achieving results that will help combat COVID-19. Each project may be funded up to a maximum of €40,000.

To be considered for funding, candidate R&D projects and initiatives must focus on one or more of the following areas: prevention; preparedness for various stages of the pandemic; studies on health and social vulnerabilities associated with lockdown and lifting of lockdown; epidemiological studies and assessment of infection transmission; vaccine development; early diagnosis methods; early infection detection algorithms; immune response, immunopathology, and immunogenetic factors; new therapies and therapeutic approaches; clinical studies and monitoring of infected individuals and at-risk groups; medical devices and equipment.

It should be noted that the results of the first application period for RESEARCH 4 COVID-19 support were announced on April 20 (see news item), with 66 projects proposed for funding by the Evaluation Committee. Total support for the first phase amounted to €1.8 million, and the list of approved projects can be found here.

More information about the 2nd edition at RESEARCH 4 COVID-19.