Call Facts

This is an invite-only call for proposals that address fundamental research questions to advance understanding of post-acute infectious diseases such as ME/CFS. The aim of this call is to support collaborative consortia who develop innovative research projects based on preliminary data generated in the first round of WWTF funding.

Scope of the Call            
This call invites collaborative consortia to advance critical knowledge in post-acute infectious diseases, with particular emphasis on Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), through innovative projects that push the boundaries of current understanding in etiopathogenesis, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions. We seek novel research approaches that address unexplored questions in the field, building strategically upon preliminary findings from the first round of WWTF funding, while integrating experimental and clinical methodologies through interdisciplinary teams. Successful proposals must demonstrate meaningful partnerships between researchers, patient representatives, and other relevant stakeholders. Interdisciplinary collaborations that leverage diverse scientific expertise to address complex research challenges are particularly encouraged. While ME/CFS represents a primary focus area, this call recognizes the broader landscape of post-acute infectious diseases, welcoming projects that investigate other conditions within this complex disease cluster that feature post-exertional malaise as a key symptom, with the ultimate goal of accelerating breakthrough discoveries that will improve patient outcomes and advance scientific understanding of these challenging conditions.

Who can apply?

• Previously funded Principal Investigators (PI) or Co-PIs from the WWTF ME/CFS Call 2024 - Understanding ME/CFS Call (One Proposal per Team).
• Core research team of up to three principal investigators (PIs)
• The coordinating PI must be based at a university or non-university research institution in Vienna
• Co-PIs may be based outside of Vienna 

Project Duration
24 – 36 months

Funding             

• Call volume: € 2 million
• Project budget: € 500,000 - € 1 million
• Personnel and non-personnel costs can be claimed
• Max. 40% non-personnel costs
• Max. 30% funding budget outside Vienna
• Up to 20% overhead costs
  

Timeline            

• Proposal deadline: June 23rd, 2026, 2pm CET 
• Expected funding decision: October, 2026
• Project start: latest January, 2027

Process

• International Jury
• International peer-review
• Application via WWTF Funding Portal