Baden-Württemberg Stiftung (Baden Württemberg Foundation) has introduced a programme aimed at advancing research in epitranscriptomics which builds on recent scientific progress in this area. The programme seeks to support innovative research approaches involving methods and applications of epitranscriptomics. The foundation sees epitranscriptomics as an approach with significant potential across various fields, including biomedicine, plant research, environmental sciences, virology and bioeconomy.

Eligible for funding as part of this programme are universities and non-profit, non-university research institutions located in Baden-Württemberg. Both individual working groups, research institutions and consortia comprising different research entities are permitted to submit applications.

This funding programme has an overall budget of €5 million, with grants available to support projects for a maximum duration of three years.

Projects may address either or both of the following two fields of action:

• Methods and Technologies, Data Science: This includes the development and refinement of tools for data handling, high-throughput methods for determining epitranscriptomic modifications, novel quantification methods, and new biosynthetic mechanisms for RNA modifications.
• Subject-Specific Research Focus: This covers the identification of molecular components impacting epitranscriptomic modifications, regulation analysis during gene expression, signalling pathway integration, and the potential application of RNA modifications as disease markers.