3rd Call for Proposals on Metabolic Health and Longevity Grant Program

Deadline: 30-Jan-2026

The AXA Research Fund, in partnership with Swiss Re, invites proposals under the 3rd Call for the Joint Risk Resilience Partnership focused on personalized metabolic interventions. Research should leverage genomics, metabolomics, behavioral science, and digital health tools to optimize health outcomes, assess cost-effectiveness, and inform tiered interventions. Grants of up to €150,000 are available for 9–18 month projects, with applications due by 30 January 2026.

Overview of the Call

The AXA-Swiss Re Joint Risk Resilience Partnership seeks research projects addressing personalized interventions for metabolic health, including obesity, diabetes, and related early-onset health risks. The program encourages integrative approaches combining genomics, metabolomics, behavioral science, and digital health solutions.

Why It Matters

Rising trends in obesity, diabetes, and early-onset cancers highlight the urgent need for personalized metabolic interventions. Effective strategies can:

• Improve individual health outcomes

• Enhance public healthcare efficiency

• Enable insurers to optimize intervention programs, reducing over- or under-investment and claims

Research Focus Areas

Projects may explore:

• Genomics and metabolomics for predictive markers guiding personalized interventions

• Cost-effectiveness assessments of therapies, including bariatric surgery and GLP-1 drugs

• Behavioral science applications for long-term lifestyle improvements

• Digital health tools such as digital twins, machine learning, CGMs, ketone meters, and virtual coaching

Key Research Objectives

• Identify predictors of intervention success: biomarkers, behavioral traits, and health history

• Assess the impact of previous bariatric surgery or GLP-1 drug use

• Develop frameworks for tiered interventions based on individual profiles:

  • Educational apps and content

  • Community or group support

  • Virtual health coaching, specialist support, and physician guidance

  • Addiction support for food and emotional eating

Triple-Win Framework

The expected outcomes include benefits for:

• Individuals: Improved health outcomes and sustainable behavior change

• Public healthcare systems: Scalable, cost-effective interventions

• Private insurers: Optimized program investment, reduced claims, and better risk management

Project Duration and Funding

• Duration: 9 to 18 months

• Maximum Grant: €150,000 per project

• Eligible expenses: Researcher salaries, collaboration costs, equipment, academic activities, and outreach initiatives

Eligible Applicants

• Academic institutions worldwide

• Projects may be submitted by sole applicants or consortia, led by a Principal Investigator of high caliber

• Proposals should demonstrate:

  • Scientific originality and rigor

  • Potential for systemic risk assessment

  • Alignment with the call’s objectives

Application and Submission Process

• Applications must be submitted in English via the European Science Foundation platform

• Deadline: 30 January 2026

• Selected projects are expected to start between October 2026 and January 2027

Required Deliverables and Reporting

• Mid-term report and final report

• Dissemination of findings through publications and presentations

Tips for Applicants

• Integrate multiomics approaches to predict response to interventions

• Include cost-effectiveness analysis for pharmacologic and surgical interventions

• Utilize behavioral science insights for sustained lifestyle changes

• Leverage digital health technologies (e.g., digital twins, virtual coaching) for personalized planning

• Ensure proposals clearly outline systemic relevance and applicability to insurers and healthcare systems

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
Academic institutions worldwide, either individually or as part of a consortium, led by a Principal Investigator.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to €150,000 per project.

3. What is the project duration?
9 to 18 months, starting between October 2026 and January 2027.

4. What research areas are prioritized?
Genomics, metabolomics, behavioral science, cost-effectiveness analysis, and digital health applications for metabolic interventions.

5. How should applications be submitted?
Through the European Science Foundation platform in English.

6. What are the reporting requirements?
Mid-term and final reports, plus dissemination via publications and presentations.

7. Can projects include pharmacologic interventions?
Yes, including GLP-1 drugs, bariatric surgery, and related interventions, assessed for effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

Conclusion

The AXA-Swiss Re Joint Risk Resilience Partnership 3rd Call provides an opportunity to advance personalized metabolic interventions through integrative research combining multiomics, behavioral science, and digital health tools. Selected projects will contribute to improved individual outcomes, scalable healthcare solutions, and optimized insurance models, addressing pressing global metabolic health challenges.

For more information, visit AXA Research Fund.