Joint Translational Call on “Novel imaging and brain stimulation methods and technologies related to Neurodegenerative Diseases” - JTC 2020

The ANR launches in collaboration with the ERA-NET JPcofuND  2 a joint call to support multinational, collaborative research projects to develop and improve cutting edge Imaging and Brain stimulation methods and technologies for the Neurodegenerative diseases.

The present call is supported by 20 member countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.

The aim of the call is to finance multidisciplinary and multinational collaborative projects to advance the development and the use of imaging technologies and brain stimulation techniques to better understand, diagnose or treat neurodegenerative diseases.

Proposals should focus on one or several of the following research areas:

Imaging Technologies. Development of novel as well as improved application of existing imaging technologies including molecular imaging techniques. The proposals should clearly explain the potential to improve the understanding, diagnosis or treatment applied to neurodegenerative diseases. The use of modern approaches such as big data applied to brain imaging in the context of neurodegenerative diseases is included in this call.

Brain Stimulation technologies. New or improved applications of invasive and/or non-invasive brain stimulation technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The development of novel techniques, protocols and research aiming at understanding the neurophysiological mechanisms affected by the stimulation techniques is included in this call.

In all the cases, the technological developments should aim at improving patient well-being by reducing harmful side effects and producing beneficial and long-term effects.

Proposals focusing on one of the following neurodegenerative diseases are eligible for this call:

• Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
• Parkinson’s disease and PD‐related disorders
• Prion diseases
• Motor neuron diseases
• Huntington’s disease
• Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)
• Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

Proposals should have novel, ambitious aims and ideas combined with well-structured work plans and clearly defined objectives deliverable within three years. Where proposals are complementary to work funded or applied for under other initiatives, this should be indicated, so that it is clear how any work supported by JPND will add value. Each consortium should have the critical mass to achieve the identified scientific goals and the proposals should specify the added value of working together. Applicants should demonstrate that they have the expertise and range of skills required to conduct the research project or that appropriate collaborations are in place. The value that will be added to ongoing national activities and the expected impact on future medical as well as health and social care for people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases should be explicitly stated.

Proposals should address socio-economic factors, gender-related research questions and comorbidities, where appropriate. Consortia should incorporate these factors when formulating their research hypotheses, aims and work plans. Cross-cultural issues and diversity, should be taken into account, particularly when developing and implementing instruments and intervention strategies.

Patient and Public involvement at all the stages of the proposals is highly encouraged.

Selected projects can be funded for a duration up to three years. Funding is expected to start end 2020.