[ Fondation Bertarelli Catalyst Fund - Call for Applications | Research funding ]

Diseases and injuries can severely affect the functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the sensory organs. 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 million 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 fourth and final call from this Fund is now open, with a deadline for applications on 1 June 2021 (17:00 CEST).

What:                         

• Projects should focus on diagnostic procedures and/or therapeutic interventions (including basic research approaches) for diseases/disabilities affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems and the sensory organs.
• Projects can be collaborative, involving two or more institutions or two or more research groups within the same institution.

• Researchers employed by an academic institution in Western Switzerland (Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais, Vaud)
• Researchers employed by an academic institution in the rest of Switzerland, Europe (including the United Kingdom), or the Middle East

• preferably, for projects with applicant(s) from institutions in Western Switzerland
• compulsorily, for projects with applicant(s) from institutions outside Western Switzerland (no less than 50% of the costs charged on the project)