Coronavirus: EU mobilises €10 million for research

The European Commission is boosting urgently needed research into coronavirus with €10 million from its research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020.

It has launched an emergency request for expressions of interest for research projects that will advance our understanding of the novel coronavirus epidemic, contribute to more efficient clinical management of patients infected with the virus, as well as public health preparedness and response.

Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said:

“We are working to mitigate the consequences of a potential larger spread of the Coronavirus outbreak in the EU. Thanks to emergency research funding from Horizon 2020, we will know more about the disease. I am proud that following the progress made during the last years, our supercomputer centres stand ready to help researchers in their work to develop new treatment and vaccines. We will be able to protect the public better, and to deal more effectively with the current and any future outbreaks.”

Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, said:

“We need to see a multifaceted, whole-of-government response to the Coronavirus and research is an essential part of this. We need to know more about the virus to better target our prevention measures and to ensure better care for our citizens – this is precisely the aim of the Horizon 2020 emergency research funding announced today.”

The funding is expected to support two to four research projects. The Commission is using all means at its disposal in order to enable research work to start as soon as possible. Applicants have until 12 February, i.e. only two weeks, to respond (compared to three months normally) and grant agreements should also be signed very quickly.

Further information:

European Commission News
Request for expressions of interest
Factsheet: EU-funded research in fight against coronavirus
Press Conference by Commissioner Kyriakides, in charge of Health and Food Safety, and Commissioner Lenarčič, in charge of Crisis Management, 29 January 2020