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Call Facts

This is a invity-only call for proposalsearly thatcareer addressME/CFS fundamentalresearchers to conduct a six month research questionsstay toat advance understanding of post-acute infectious diseases such as ME/CFS. The aim of this call is to fund collaborative consortia who develop innovativea research projects based on preliminary data generatedorganisation in theVienna firstor round of WWTF funding.abroad.

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 promising 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 relevant stakeholders, with particular encouragement for interdisciplinary collaborations that leverage diverse scientific expertise to tackle complex research challenges. 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) and Co-PIs  (WWTF ME/CFS Call 2024 - Understanding ME/CFS Call)
  • Core research team up to three researchers
  • 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% of the overall budget)
Project Duration
24 – 48 months
Funding             
  • Call volume: € 1,6 million
  • Project budget: € 500,000 - € 800,000
  • Personnel and non-personnel costs can be claimed
  • Max. 40% non-personnel costs
  • Project partners outside of Vienna may receive up to 30% of the total budget
  • 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

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