Deadline: 21-Apr-22
The European Commission (EC) has launched an open call for the Pandemic Preparedness Program to contribute and complement both of these initiatives, notably by addressing priority research and innovation gaps also identified by Member States and that would contribute and support the establishment and work of a potential future Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed weaknesses in the ability of the Union and its Member States to respond quickly and effectively to such an unprecedented health emergency. Therefore, the Commission is stepping up its efforts in supporting the Union’s ability to respond to serious cross-border threats.
Member States agreed to step up their coordination in the area of pandemic preparedness research and aim to establish a European partnership on pandemic preparedness. A dedicated coordination support action will help develop a common long-term Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for such a partnership.
A key component for the European Health Union will be the establishment of the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) for which the Commission will put forward a legislative proposal by the end of 2021. It should build on experiences dealing with COVID-19, SARS and influenza, and consider emerging biological threats to human health, e.g. in the context of climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss.
This topic aims at supporting activities that are enabling or contributing to one or several expected impacts of destination 3 “Tackling diseases and reducing disease burden”.
Funding Information
The check will normally be done for the coordinator if the requested grant amount is equal to or greater than EUR 500 000, except for:
- public bodies (entities established as a public body under national law, including local, regional or national authorities) or international organisations; and
- cases where the individual requested grant amount is not more than EUR 60 000 (lowvalue grant).
Outcomes
Proposals under this topic should aim for delivering results that are directed, tailored towards and contributing to some of the following expected outcomes:
- The scientific community has better understanding of the biology of the pathogens (virus, bacteria etc.), its transmission, its interaction with humans, animals and plants, in particular in view of emerging threats to human health, such as infectious diseases and anti-microbial resistance.
- Health care providers and practitioners have access to and use appropriate medical countermeasures, e.g. vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics and digital solutions.
- Health authorities have the evidence-base and tools for better public health measures.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- the Member States of the European Union, including their outermost regions;
- the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) linked to the Member States;
- eligible non-EU countries:
- countries associated to Horizon Europe
- low- and middle-income countries.
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