Calls for proposals

2.3.3 Potentially new and re-emerging epidemics

The focus will be on confronting emerging pathogens with pandemic potential. The results of research in this area will integrate European scientific excellence and make Europe better prepared for emerging epidemics. Understanding the crucial factors needed for the influenza and other serious zoonotic pathogens to cross the species barrier as well as spread from human to human is a fundamental element for the development of new control strategies and in pandemic preparedness planning. A comprehensive effort on Dengue fever, on the rise largely due to climate change, will take stock of Europe's research competence to develop new control measures. Finally, the 2009 influenza H1N1 pandemic has demonstrated a general underestimation of the need for evidence based communication tools.
Note: Depending on the topics listed below, applicants should follow the rules for single or two-stage submission procedure (see also respective call fiche in section III).

HEALTH.2011.2.3.3-1: Identification of factors promoting the emergence of pathogens with human pandemic potential from pathogens with a zoonotic background and related prevention strategies. FP7-HEALTH-2011-two-stage.

Cross-disciplinary research should aim to identify the factors that render various zoonotic pathogens with human pandemic potential prone to cross the species-barrier and further to gain human-human transmissibility. Research should focus on pathogenicity, infectivity and transmissibility and take into account both pathogen and host factors as well as ecological factors in the human/animal interface. Research could address influenza, but could also involve other zoonotic pathogens. The project should bring together the veterinary and human field, should establish pathogen information sharing platforms and should include a strong training component to foster crossdisciplinary knowledge in the field.

Note: Limits on the EU financial contribution apply. These are implemented strictly as formal eligibility criteria.

Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (large-scale integrating project).
Requested EU contribution per project: Maximum EUR 12 000 000.
Only up to one proposal can be selected.
Expected impact: Research should contribute to a better understanding of the emergence and transmission of pathogens with pandemic potential and improve preparedness planning, in particular modelling and prediction, but also the development of appropriate intervention measures.

HEALTH.2011.2.3.3-2: Comprehensive control of Dengue fever under changing climatic conditions. FP7-HEALTH-2011-single-stage.

Research should develop innovative tools for one or more of the following aspects: better diagnosis, surveillance, development of treatment, prevention and vaccination strategies, prevention, and/or prediction and prevention of the spread of Dengue fever to previously uninfected regions (including Europe), in the context of climate change. Research may also include studies on the underlying pathogenesis with respect to viral and host factors that can predict disease severity and prepare for further development of new vaccines, antiviral compounds and more targeted treatment schemes.

Note: Limits on the EU financial contribution apply. These are implemented strictly as formal eligibility criteria.
Funding scheme: Specific International Cooperation Action (SICA), Collaborative Project (small or medium-scale focused research project) target regions: Latin America and/or Asia.
Requested EU contribution per project: Maximum EUR 6 000 000.
One or more proposals can be selected.
Expected impact: Better tools, and the use thereof, for improved comprehensive control of Dengue fever at a global level. Participation from both SICA target regions and SMEs in the projects should help ensuring innovation and exploitation of the results in this area/topic. The degree of such participation will be considered during the evaluation.

HEALTH.2011.2.3.3-3: Development of an evidence-based behavioural and communication package to respond to major epidemic outbreaks. FP7-HEALTH-2011- two-stage.

Research should focus on behavioural research and how human behaviour influences disease transmission, vaccine acceptance and antiviral therapy acceptance in the general population in a crisis situation. Research should focus on developing appropriate communication methods, especially regarding complicated messages and advice based on uncertainties, a changing epidemiological picture and information gaps. Particular attention should be paid to addressing knowledge and attitudes towards vaccination for a better understanding of the level of acceptable risk in vaccination in relation to the perceived risk of disease. The project should develop and test strategies to support vaccine uptake with special focus on new communication strategies for health professionals/agencies to engage with vaccine-resistant groups. The objective is to set up an integrated research project involving social sciences, behavioural sciences, communication, media expertise and civil society.

Note: Limits on the EU financial contribution apply. These are implemented strictly as formal eligibility criteria.
Funding scheme: Collaborative Project (small or medium-scale focused research project).
Requested EU contribution per project: Maximum EUR 2 000 000.
One or more proposals can be selected.
Expected impact: This research should lead to a better communication preparedness for the next major epidemic outbreak and minimize deviations between perceived and intended messages during the full course of the pandemic.