BMBF Launches New Funding Programme for Pandemic Prevention and Response
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF – Federal Ministry of Education and Research) initiated the new funding programme ‘Pandemic Prevention and Response within the Framework of a One Health Approach’ to support research on novel or emerging pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The call aims to enhance preparedness for future human infection outbreaks by promoting inter- and transdisciplinary health research under the One Health approach. It also fosters collaboration between scientific research, public health, veterinary services, and environmental administration to tackle critical research questions.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Germany’s Future Strategy for Research and Innovation. It funds collaborative research projects focusing on two main areas: novel or re-emerging pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential, and AMR in human infectious diseases. Research consortia must include partners from human and veterinary medicine, biomedical research, and relevant environmental and public health sectors. Key research areas include understanding transmission risks, the impact of climate change on disease spread, epidemiological studies, and public health strategies.
The programme supports exclusively collaborative projects that bring together multiple partners in a consortium. In addition to institutions of higher education and non-educational research institutions, the call is also open to a wide range of actors from public administration, health care and civil society. Commercial businesses may also participate.
BMBF grants will support projects over a period of up to five years and cover project-related personnel, material and travel costs. Research institutions and other non-commercial actors can expect to receive full funding of project-related costs, with a 20% project allowance added for universities. Funding levels for commercial businesses are generally capped at 50%.
(This Bulletin article was the subject of a ResearchConnect news alert.)