RFPs: RSV and Functional Decline in Hospitalized Adults (Italy)

The Pfizer Research Grant Program on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Hospitalized Adults in Italy supports independent research that generates real-world evidence on the clinical, functional, and healthcare burden of RSV infection among hospitalized adults. The program provides grants of up to EUR 150,000 for projects lasting up to 18 months, with a total funding pool of EUR 300,000.

Pfizer Research Grant Program on RSV in Hospitalized Adults in Italy

The Pfizer Research Grant Program on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Hospitalized Adults in Italy provides funding for independent research projects that improve understanding of the impact of RSV infection beyond the acute respiratory illness.

The program supports studies that generate real-world evidence on the functional outcomes, healthcare utilization, and long-term consequences of RSV infection among hospitalized adults in Italy. The findings are expected to inform patient risk assessment, preventive strategies, and post-discharge care for vulnerable populations.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Generate real-world evidence on the burden of RSV infection in hospitalized adults.
• Improve understanding of the functional and non-respiratory impact of RSV.
• Characterize hospitalized adult patients with RSV infection.
• Identify factors associated with increased vulnerability and poor outcomes.
• Support improved patient risk stratification.
• Inform targeted prevention strategies.
• Strengthen post-discharge care pathways for adults at risk of functional decline.

Research Priorities

Projects should address one or more of the following research areas:

Characterization of Hospitalized Adults with RSV

Research may include:

• Patient demographics.
• Comorbidities.
• Clinical characteristics.
• Baseline vulnerability indicators.
• Risk factors associated with severe disease.

Acute Functional Burden During Hospitalization

Studies may evaluate:

• Prolonged hospital length of stay.
• Need for higher-level or intensive care.
• In-hospital complications.
• Functional decline during hospitalization.
• Clinical indicators of acute functional stress.

Post-Discharge Outcomes

Research may assess:

• Hospital readmissions.
• Emergency department visits.
• Healthcare dependency.
• Functional recovery after discharge.
• Transfers to rehabilitation facilities.
• Admission to long-term care facilities.

Grant Amount

Applicants may request funding of up to EUR 150,000 per project.

Additional funding details include:

• Maximum project duration: 18 months.
• Total estimated program budget: EUR 300,000.

Funding requests should be proportionate to the proposed research activities.

Eligible Research Projects

The program supports independent research that:

• Generates real-world evidence.
• Investigates hospitalized adults with RSV infection.
• Evaluates clinical and functional outcomes.
• Examines healthcare utilization after hospitalization.
• Supports improvements in patient care and disease management.
• Advances knowledge of RSV-related functional decline.

Projects must be conducted within institutions recognized for research activities.

Eligible Applicants

Only organizations may apply.

Eligible organizations include:

• Research institutes.
• Universities.
• Local health authorities.
• Hospitals.
• Scientific societies.
• Scientific medical associations.
• Local or regional institutions.
• Public consortia.
• Private consortia.
• Cooperative societies.

The institution and the Principal Investigator must both be based in Italy.

Principal Investigator Requirements

The Principal Investigator must:

• Be based in Italy.
• Be an employee or contractor of the requesting organization.
• Hold one of the following qualifications:
  • Medical degree.
  • Postdoctoral qualification.
  • Advanced nursing qualification.
  • Pharmacy qualification.
  • Physiotherapy qualification.
  • Social work qualification.

Applications may also be submitted by an authorized designee acting on behalf of the Principal Investigator.

Collaboration Requirements

Collaborative research projects are encouraged.

Projects involving multiple departments or organizations must ensure:

• Every participating institution has a clearly defined and relevant role.
• The requesting organization serves as the lead institution.
• The lead organization plays a key role in project management and implementation.

Institutional Responsibilities

The proposing institution must:

• Act as the formal study sponsor.
• Assume responsibility for regulatory compliance.
• Meet all applicable approval and reporting requirements.
• Be legally eligible to receive funding directly from Pfizer LLC.

Applicants are encouraged to confirm their organization’s eligibility to receive grant funding before submitting an application.

Program Benefits

The program helps researchers and healthcare institutions to:

• Improve understanding of RSV disease burden.
• Generate high-quality real-world clinical evidence.
• Strengthen patient risk assessment.
• Support evidence-based prevention strategies.
• Improve post-discharge care planning.
• Enhance healthcare decision-making for vulnerable adult populations.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:

• Clearly defining clinically relevant research questions.
• Demonstrating the need for real-world evidence.
• Presenting robust study methodologies.
• Including measurable clinical and functional outcomes.
• Demonstrating institutional research capacity.
• Establishing strong collaborations where appropriate.
• Providing a realistic project budget and timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Pfizer RSV Research Grant Program?

Eligible organizations based in Italy—including research institutes, universities, hospitals, local health authorities, scientific societies, scientific medical associations, consortia, and cooperative societies—may apply.

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to EUR 150,000 per project.

What is the maximum project duration?

Projects may run for a maximum of 18 months.

What research topics are supported?

The program supports research on hospitalized adults with RSV infection, including patient characterization, functional outcomes during hospitalization, healthcare utilization, post-discharge outcomes, and long-term impacts of RSV.

Can collaborative research projects be submitted?

Yes. Multi-institutional projects are encouraged, provided the requesting organization serves as the lead institution and all participating organizations have clearly defined roles.

Who can serve as the Principal Investigator?

The Principal Investigator must be based in Italy, be employed or contracted by the requesting organization, and hold an eligible professional qualification such as medicine, postdoctoral research, advanced nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, or social work.

Conclusion

The Pfizer Research Grant Program on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Hospitalized Adults in Italy provides funding of up to EUR 150,000 for independent research that advances understanding of the clinical, functional, and long-term impact of RSV infection in hospitalized adults. By supporting real-world evidence generation, patient risk stratification, and improvements in prevention and post-discharge care, the program contributes to strengthening healthcare outcomes for vulnerable adult populations across Italy.