Emergency request goes out asking scientists to carry out research to help bring the epidemic to an end
The European Commission is putting €10 million up for research to help halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus and has launched an “emergency request” for expressions of interest for research projects to advance understanding of the epidemic, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
The World Health Organisation on Thursday declared the outbreak a public health emergency of global concern.
The EU-funded research should contribute to more efficient clinical management of patients infected with the virus, as well as public health preparedness and response, the commission said.
The €10 million funding will support between two and four research projects. Applicants have until February 12 to respond to the competition, and grant agreements should also be signed “very quickly”, the commission says.
Grants will be subject to “rapid data-sharing clauses” to ensure that health authorities can apply research findings immediately.
"We are working to mitigate the consequences of a potential larger spread of the coronavirus outbreak in the EU,” said Mariya Gabriel, commissioner for innovation, research, culture, education and youth.
“Our supercomputer centres stand ready to help researchers in their work to develop new treatment and vaccines,” Gabriel said.
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