European partnership for pandemic preparedness

Overview

Funding for transnational research consortia developing tools, technologies, and knowledge to improve pandemic preparedness, focusing on host-pathogen interactions and emerging infectious diseases. Targets multidisciplinary teams addressing gaps in surveillance, diagnostics, therapeutics, and public health response.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries, including:

• Universities, research institutes, and hospitals
• SMEs and industry partners
• Public health agencies and non-profit organizations

Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select third countries (list provided in call guidelines).

Funding Details

• Total budget: €50 million
• Maximum grant per project: €5 million
• Funding rate: 100% of eligible costs for non-profit entities; 70% for for-profit entities
• Co-funding: Not required but in-kind contributions may strengthen proposals

What Is Funded

Research and innovation activities addressing:

• Host-pathogen interactions and immune response mechanisms
• Early detection and surveillance of emerging pathogens
• Development of rapid diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics
• Public health preparedness, including digital tools and AI-driven modeling
• Cross-sectoral collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health (One Health approach)

Technology / Maturity Requirements

• Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway to societal or clinical impact
• TRL range: 3–6 (proof of concept to prototype demonstration in relevant environment)
• Higher TRLs (5–6) preferred for applied research and innovation actions

Key Dates

• Open date: 2026-01-18
• Deadline: 2026-04-12T22:00:00Z

Application Process (High-Level)

• Two-stage process:

1. Pre-proposal submission (short concept note) 2. Full proposal submission (invitation-only for selected pre-proposals)

• Submission via the BE READY Partnership electronic portal (link provided in call guidelines)

Post-Award Obligations

• Annual scientific and financial reporting
• Dissemination of results through open-access publications and public engagement activities
• Participation in joint workshops and knowledge-sharing events organized by the partnership

Geographic Scope & Language

• Eligible countries: EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and select third countries (full list in call annex)
• Application language: English

Notes

• Projects must align with the BE READY Partnership’s strategic research and innovation agenda
• Consortia are encouraged to include partners from low- and middle-income countries where relevant
• Overlap with other EU-funded projects must be justified to avoid duplication