Working context
We are looking for European research centres and private structures with strong experience in virology, molecular biology, diagnosis of biological threats, point-of-care tools for fast case detection and related fields, in order to build an international network and apply for a call for proposals funded by the European Union.
The call goal is to develop fast and reliable tools for early diagnosis of carriers and symptomatic individuals suspected of a viral infection, even during the incubation phase. The aim is therefore to create a public-private international partnership that addresses the issue in a multidisciplinary, collaborative way, combining expertise and previous experience useful to achieve the goal of the project.
The call deadline is March 31st, 2020, so the partners’ search is urgent.
Research topic
The topic of the call is the development of fast and reliable tools for detection of an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus.
Tools should have these features:
- be able to detect virus both in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, even in incubation phase (carriers);
- to ensure rapid evaluation of candidates;
- to provide prompt and reliable results in case detection, in order to manage patients at risk and deliver the best care accordingly.
Diagnostic tools may be developed on existing technologies or new ones and detection may be achieved through point-of-care (POC) testing or centralised testing.
Partners’ roles and activities will be defined tacking into account the expertise of each member and addressing the research topic in a multidisciplinary, collaborative way.
Requirements
Research centres should have strong experience in virology, molecular biology, diagnostic tools for biological threats, point-of-care testing or related fields.
As most of the already involved partners are Italian, we are especially looking for research centres located abroad, in Europe. Applicants should demonstrate their operational capacity as well as their readiness to be part of the project.
Both private or public applications will be accepted.
Partnership
Roles, responsibilities and assignments in the project development will be defined by mutual agreement, according to expertise and readiness of each partner, with a collaborative approach.
Thus, the first step will require the alignment and coordination of partners by means of web-based meetings.
How to apply
Send an e-mail to fQuesto indirizzo email è protetto dagli spambots. È necessario abilitare JavaScript per vederlo. with the following subject: R&D13 | International partnership to address European call: POC tests for early diagnosis of viral diseases, including a cover letter that highlights significant experiences consistent with what is requested. Temporal availability to start the collaboration should also be declared.
Applications will be accepted until all partners are found and not later than March 18th, 2020.
This search is urgent: we suggest interested candidates to promptly apply.