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Request for Applications: Decode the Immunoscience of Age-Related Diseases

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Deadline: 08-Oct-2026

The Decode the Immunoscience of Age-Related Diseases initiative is launched under the European Commission’s research and innovation framework to address the growing healthcare challenges associated with ageing populations.

The funding opportunity focuses on understanding the relationship between:

The programme aims to generate scientific evidence that supports healthier ageing and improves healthcare outcomes for elderly populations.

Why This Research Area Matters

Ageing is associated with significant changes in immune system function. As people grow older, immune responses may become weaker or dysregulated, increasing vulnerability to diseases.

Age-related immune changes can contribute to:

Understanding these biological processes is essential for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies for elderly patients.

Key Objectives of the Funding Programme

The initiative aims to achieve several major research goals.

These include:

Main Research Focus Areas

Understanding Immunosenescence and Age-Related Immune Changes

Researchers are expected to investigate how ageing alters immune system function.

Research areas include:

The goal is to identify mechanisms that explain why immune-related diseases appear differently in older adults compared with younger populations.

Identification of Ageing Biomarkers

A major focus is discovering biomarkers that can measure biological ageing and predict disease risks.

Supported research may include:

These biomarkers may support earlier diagnosis, personalised treatment selection, and improved disease monitoring.

AI and Machine Learning for Immunoscience Research

Artificial intelligence and machine learning will play an important role in analysing complex biological and clinical information.

AI-driven research activities may include:

AI approaches will help researchers uncover shared and disease-specific pathways associated with immune ageing.

Multi-Omics and Molecular Profiling

Projects are expected to use advanced molecular research techniques to understand age-related immune diseases.

Approaches may include:

Combining these datasets will help create a detailed understanding of disease mechanisms and support precision medicine development.

Diseases Covered Under the Initiative

The programme focuses on immune-mediated diseases that commonly affect older adults.

Examples include:

Researchers are expected to examine:

Research Approaches Expected Under the Programme

Funded projects should combine multiple research approaches to generate strong evidence.

Expected approaches include:

The objective is to create comprehensive datasets that support future healthcare innovation.

Role of Digital Health and Data Infrastructure

The programme encourages the use of digital technologies to improve ageing research.

Supported activities include:

Projects should align with:

Expected Research Outcomes

Successful projects should contribute to:

The research should support translation from scientific discovery into practical healthcare applications.

Funding Details

Key funding information includes:

Funding allocation includes indicative amounts across expected projects:

The final funding distribution depends on proposal quality and evaluation outcomes.

Application Timeline

Important dates include:

Applicants should prepare proposals according to the Horizon Europe submission requirements and topic-specific guidelines.

How the Application Process Works

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must confirm that their organisation meets Horizon Europe participation requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

Step 2: Register in the Participant Register

Before receiving funding, applicants must:

A PIC is required before signing the grant agreement.

Step 3: Develop a Research Proposal

Strong proposals should clearly explain:

Step 4: Submit Through the Two-Stage Process

The application process includes:

First stage:

Second stage:

Step 5: Project Implementation and Knowledge Translation

Funded projects should:

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include organisations that meet Horizon Europe requirements.

Applicants may include:

Applicants must:

Why This Funding Opportunity Matters

This initiative addresses one of the most important healthcare challenges of the coming decades: supporting healthy ageing while reducing the burden of age-related diseases.

The programme can help achieve:

By combining immunology, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine, the initiative aims to transform how age-related diseases are prevented and treated.

Common Mistakes Applicants Should Avoid

Researchers should avoid:

Tips for a Strong Proposal

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Decode the Immunoscience of Age-Related Diseases funding opportunity?

It is a European Commission research funding programme focused on understanding how ageing affects immune function and contributes to age-related diseases. It supports research into biomarkers, AI tools, personalised interventions, and precision healthcare solutions.

What is immunosenescence?

Immunosenescence refers to age-related changes in immune system function that can reduce immune effectiveness and increase vulnerability to infections, inflammation, and immune-related diseases.

What diseases are included in this research programme?

The programme focuses on immune-mediated diseases affecting older adults, including inflammatory bowel disease, COPD, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, Sjögren’s disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

How much funding is available?

The total available budget for this funding opportunity is €53.2 million, distributed among selected projects based on evaluation results.

When is the application deadline?

The first-stage deadline is 8 October 2026, and the second-stage deadline is 21 April 2027.

Can international organisations apply?

Yes. Eligible legal entities, including organisations from non-associated third countries and international organisations, may apply if they meet Horizon Europe requirements.

How will artificial intelligence support this research?

AI and machine learning will help analyse complex biological and clinical datasets, identify biomarkers, discover disease pathways, predict disease progression, and support personalised healthcare strategies.

Conclusion

The Decode the Immunoscience of Age-Related Diseases funding opportunity provides major support for advancing research into ageing, immune dysfunction, and precision healthcare.

By integrating immunology, artificial intelligence, multi-omics research, digital health technologies, and clinical data, the programme aims to develop innovative solutions that improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of age-related immune diseases while supporting healthier ageing across Europe.

For more information, visit European Commission.

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