Call overview and facts

Scope of the Call

This call is open to research teams that aim to advance our understanding of etiopathogenesis, diagnostics and/or therapy of post-acute infectious diseases, namely ME/CFS. Projects addressing novel research avenues and questions are strongly encouraged. This call seeks to support projects that generate preliminary data. Projects should bring together experimental and clinical approaches in a meaningful way. Interdisciplinary collaborations across biomedical, computer and clinical sciences are highly welcome. ME/CFS is part of a complex disease cluster called post-acute infectious diseases. Projects investigating other post-acute infectious diseases that show post-exertional malaise are also eligible for funding.

Who can apply?

• Core researchteam teamwith up to three researcherskey collaborators
• Principal Investigators (PI) from all disciplines
• The coordinating PI must be based at a university or non-university research institution in Vienna
• Co-PIs may be based outside of Vienna (funding limited to 30%20% of the overall budget)

Co-PIs from Lower Austria may apply for up to 49% of the overall funding (Joint Projects)

Funding:

• Project duration: 12-24 months
• Budget for individual projects:  € 50,000 - 100,000
• Overall call volume: 800.000 €
• Personnel and non-personnel costs can be claimed; max. 30% non-personnel costs
• No inkinds are required; no overhead costs will be paid

Timeline:

• Proposal deadline: September/October, 2025, 2pm CET 
• Expected funding decision: December 2025
• Project start: 1.5.2026

Evaluation and decision process:

• Application via WWTF Funding Portal
• One-stage call process
• Selection by a jury composed of international and national experts

Contact

Michael Strassnig

Email: michael.strassnig@wwtf.at

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