New European call for proposals on neurodegenerative diseases: Centres of Excellence and innovative approaches
Neurodegenerative disorders are incurable and debilitating conditions that result in the progressive degeneration and/or death of nerve cells. This causes problems with movement (called ataxias), or mental functioning (called dementias). These diseases affect the lives of millions around the globe, with a higher incidence among seniors. This figure is likely to rise in the coming decades due to the world's aging population.
To help fight against neurodegenerative disorders, of which Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are the best-known diseases, the “Network of Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration” (CoEN) was launched in 2010 by several European and Canadian funding agencies. ANR has recently become a permanent member of the initiative. Its goal is to promote collaborative and transnational research activity in the field of neurodegenerative disease by making the most of scientific excellence. CoEN notably dovetails with the JPND joint programming initiative.
Setting up collaborative and innovative research activities on degeneration
This unprecedented joint call for proposals has undertaken to broaden our understanding of neurodegenerative mechanisms. The call is intended to stimulate new and unconventional approaches and creative solutions to challenges inherent to neurodegeneration research by undertaking high-risk/high-payoff research, or large-scale exploratory research with a real chance of having major scientific impacts.
Another equally important objective of the CoEN initiative is to build productive links between research groups within recognised centres of excellence. This call therefore applies solely to researchers belonging to Centres of Excellence and other identified institutions and who are responsible for coordinating a transnational project with high innovation potential. Tremendous advantages are to be had by sharing such research, as its scale and importance go beyond national borders.
Researchers are encouraged to submit interdisciplinary projects dealing with at least one of the following degenerative diseases: Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal lobar dementia, Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and related disorders, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron diseases (MND), Prion diseases, Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), Spinal muscular dystrophy (SMA) and vascular dementia.
Each proposal must include at least two centres of excellence (or eligible institutions) located in different countries. Only one centre of excellence may take part per participating country. Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Ireland, and the United Kingdom are the six participating countries.
Related projects will be funded for two years maximum. Submission and evaluation will be single stage, with the application deadline set for 5 October. For those projects selected, research carried out by French researchers will be funded by ANR. The estimated budget allocated by ANR is €5 M.
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