Coronavirus research - Research projects and initiatives to tackle the spread of coronavirus and preparedness for other outbreaks.
The European Commission has been at the forefront of supporting research and coordination European and global research efforts, including preparedness for pandemics.
In addition to a number of past and ongoing research actions related to coronaviruses and outbreaks, the Commission launched several new actions in 2020.
Actions to tackle the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus
€47.5 million for 17 shortlisted research projects
A better understanding of COVID-19 and its spread is essential in order to detect the disease, treat and protect patients and ultimately control the epidemic. This is why on 30 January 2020, the European Commission launched a request for expressions of interest entitled 'SC1-PHE-CORONAVIRUS-2020: Advancing knowledge for the clinical and public health response to the [COVID-19] epidemic' with a budget of €47.5 million.
17 research projects were shortlisted for funding following evaluation by independent experts.
These projects will advance our understanding of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), contribute to more efficient clinical management of patients infected with the virus, and to the public health preparedness and response to the outbreak.
The 17 projects, involving 136 research teams from across the EU and beyond, will work on
- improving epidemiology and public health, including preparedness and response to outbreaks
- rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests
- new treatments
- new vaccines
Research teams are expected to share data rapidly so that results can immediately inform the public health response.
Such rapid reaction is made possible by the standing budget line for emergency research funds that the Commission maintains as part of the Horizon 2020 annual work programmes for health research.
Further information
Here you can find further information:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/research-and-innovation/research-area/health-research-and-innovation/coronavirus-research_en