Deadline: 16-Sep-2026
The Fondazione Telethon and Fondazione Cariplo Joint Call 2026 supports basic research on unknown biological targets linked to rare diseases, including genes, mRNAs, and proteins with uncharacterized functions. It funds both pilot and full research projects, with grants up to €50,000 for one year and up to €250,000 for two years. The program targets Italian nonprofit research institutions to advance foundational knowledge in rare disease biology.
Overview of the Telethon–Cariplo Joint Call 2026
The Fondazione Telethon and Fondazione Cariplo Joint Call 2026 is a research funding initiative aimed at advancing basic scientific understanding of rare diseases. It focuses on exploring unknown or poorly understood biological targets to generate foundational knowledge that may support future therapeutic development.
The call supports:
- Basic research in rare genetic and non-genetic diseases
- Investigation of unknown biological targets
- Development of tools and datasets for scientific discovery
- Advancement of early-stage biomedical research
- Exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying rare diseases
Thematic Focus Areas
The programme prioritizes research on unexplored biological components linked to disease mechanisms.
Key thematic areas include:
- Genes and gene families with unknown functions in rare diseases
- mRNAs with uncharacterized roles
- Proteins with unknown or unclear biological function
- Tdark targets (Illuminating the Druggable Genome framework)
- Development of tools for target characterization
- Generation of data to support functional biological understanding
Types of Funding Support
The call provides two distinct funding schemes based on project maturity and scope.
Pilot Applications
- Funding: up to €50,000
- Duration: 1 year
- Purpose:
- Generate preliminary data
- Develop tools for studying unknown targets
- Explore feasibility of research hypotheses
- Focus: early-stage exploratory research
Full Applications
- Funding: up to €250,000
- Duration: up to 2 years
- Requirement: must include preliminary research data
- Purpose:
- Conduct in-depth basic research
- Investigate validated hypotheses
- Advance understanding of rare disease mechanisms
- Focus: more developed and structured research projects
Eligible Applicants
The program is restricted to specific institutional eligibility criteria.
Eligible organizations include:
- Italian nonprofit research institutions
- Public research organizations
- Private nonprofit research institutions
Eligibility requirements:
- Institutions must be based in Italy
- Must operate on a nonprofit basis
- Applications must be submitted through the official Telethon Grant Management system
- All documentation must be provided in English
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide detailed scientific and administrative information.
Required components include:
- Project description and scientific objectives
- Research methodology and approach
- Expected outcomes and impact
- Budget breakdown and justification
- Institutional and administrative information
- Supporting documentation
Additional requirements for Full Applications:
- Detailed research hypothesis
- Background and scientific rationale
- Preliminary results
- Project management structure
- Detailed methodology
- Anticipated scientific impact
Eligible Costs
Funding can be used for direct research expenses.
Eligible cost categories include:
- Laboratory equipment
- IT equipment and software
- Research materials and consumables
- Scientific supplies and services
- Other project-related research expenses
Requirement:
- All budget items must be clearly justified
- Costs must directly support project activities
Program Objectives
The initiative aims to strengthen foundational biomedical research in rare diseases.
Core objectives include:
- Identifying functions of unknown biological targets
- Expanding knowledge of rare disease mechanisms
- Supporting early-stage scientific discovery
- Enabling future translational research
- Promoting innovation in basic biomedical science
Why This Program Matters
This funding initiative plays a key role in advancing rare disease research.
Key importance includes:
- Addressing major gaps in biological knowledge
- Supporting discovery of new disease mechanisms
- Enabling future drug target identification
- Strengthening Italy’s biomedical research ecosystem
- Promoting early-stage scientific innovation
- Improving understanding of genetic and non-genetic diseases
How It Works / Application Flow
The program follows a structured competitive grant process.
Step-by-step process:
- Research team identifies unknown biological target in rare disease context
- Applicant selects Pilot or Full Application pathway
- Proposal is prepared with scientific and budget details
- Submission is completed via Telethon Grant Management system
- Applications are reviewed for scientific merit and feasibility
- Selected projects receive funding for 1–2 years
- Research is conducted and results are reported
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting without clear focus on unknown biological targets
- Missing preliminary data for Full Applications
- Weak justification of research methodology
- Incomplete budget breakdowns
- Proposing non-eligible institutions or international organizations
- Poor alignment with rare disease research scope
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve success chances:
- Clearly define the unknown target and its relevance
- Provide strong scientific rationale and background
- Include robust preliminary data for Full Applications
- Ensure precise and realistic methodology
- Justify all budget items clearly
- Emphasize potential impact on rare disease understanding
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of this call?
- To support research on unknown biological targets in rare diseases
- To advance basic scientific understanding of disease mechanisms
Who can apply?
- Italian nonprofit research institutions (public or private)
What funding is available?
- Up to €50,000 for Pilot Applications
- Up to €250,000 for Full Applications
What is the project duration?
- 1 year (Pilot) or up to 2 years (Full Application)
What research areas are supported?
- Genes, mRNAs, proteins, and Tdark targets linked to rare diseases
What costs are eligible?
- Equipment, software, materials, supplies, and research services
Where must applications be submitted?
- Through the Fondazione Telethon Grant Management system
Conclusion
The Fondazione Telethon and Fondazione Cariplo Joint Call 2026 supports foundational biomedical research into unknown biological targets associated with rare diseases. By funding both exploratory pilot studies and more advanced research projects, it aims to accelerate scientific discovery and deepen understanding of genetic and non-genetic disease mechanisms in Italy’s research ecosystem.
For more information, visit Fondazione Telethon.