Call for proposals to accelerate the development of vaccine candidates for emerging and re-emerging viral threats.

About this grant

Call for proposals to accelerate the development of vaccine candidates for emerging and re-emerging viral threats. With a total budget of €44.2M, individual grants are expected to range between €9.00 and 11.00 million. This initiative aims to diversify the global R&D portfolio and strengthen the EU’s leadership in pandemic preparedness, particularly as climate change accelerates the risk of viral disease emergence. Applicants must focus their proposal on advancing existing vaccine candidates for one of the following specific viruses: Mammarenaviruses: Junin or Lassa; Hantaviruses: Andes, Hantaan, or Sin Nombre; Other Emerging Viruses: Hendra, Enterovirus D68, or Venezuelan equine encephalitis. Proposals must address: Characterization and In-vivo Testing: Finalizing in-vitro characterization and conducting in-vivo protection tests in animal models (including non-human primates if requested by regulators); GMP Manufacturing: Producing batches of the most promising candidates according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); Clinical Safety: Executing first-in-human clinical safety studies that outline a clear regulatory pathway; as well as Inclusive Research: Analyzing immune response and efficacy with attention to critical factors such as sex, age, disability, and ethnicity. For instance, researchers should note that vaccine responses can vary across ethnic groups; some studies have indicated that certain populations, such as those of African descent, may show different antibody titer levels or adverse event profiles compared to Caucasian populations, necessitating diverse clinical trial recruitment.

How to apply

1. 1Verify eligibility criteria, including applicant type (e.g., SMEs, consortia), geographic requirements, and funding rates (often 40-100% co-financing).
2. 2Form a consortium if required (e.g., minimum partners from multiple countries for collaborative projects).
3. 3Register as a user and your organization on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal to obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC).
4. 4Download templates, prepare Part A (administrative data) and Part B (technical description, budget, impact), and run validation checks.
5. 5Submit online before the deadline; track via confirmation email and code, with evaluation taking 3-6 months.
6. 6Visit https://eufundingportal.eu for application details

Application tips