Fondation Bertarelli Catalyst Fund - Call open
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Diseases and injuries can severely affect the functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the sensory organs. There have been major advances in understanding the nervous system and the sensory organs, as well as the causes of diseases. Nonetheless, only few therapeutic applications have demonstrated clinical effect.
To develop novel therapeutic approaches – gene therapy, optogenetics, bioactive molecules, diagnostic tools, imaging techniques, or implants, among others – the Fondation Bertarelli has donated CHF 5 millions to create a Catalyst Fund. This fund is designed to foster innovative research and the development of life-saving treatments for diseases (including rare diseases) affecting the brain, the spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system, and the sensory organs.
The third call for proposals of the Catalyst Fund is now open, with a deadline for applications on 30 June 2020 (extended from 19 May 2020). Four to six two-year projects will be granted about CHF 300’000 per project. Successful projects will focus on diagnostic procedures and/or therapeutic interventions for diseases/disabilities affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems and the sensory organs.
Researchers employed by an academic institution in Western Switzerland (Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais, Vaud) are strongly encouraged to apply. Projects can be collaborative, involving two or more institutions or two or more research groups within the same institution. Researchers working in a Swiss/European academic institution outside Western Switzerland are also encouraged to apply provided they submit a collaborative project with at least one applicant from an academic institution in Western Switzerland.
Projects should preferably be implemented at least in part at Campus Biotech in Geneva, including the use of the available technological platforms. Collaborative projects with an institution outside Western Switzerland must be implemented at least in part at Campus Biotech. Preferential access to these platforms will be granted to the project awardees.
Proposals will be evaluated by a committee chaired by Professor Pierre Magistretti.
For more details, please visit the Catalyst Fund website.