The German Research FOundation have launched a Call for interdisciplinary research into epidemics and pandemics on the occasion of the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2.

Funding is given to projects that deal with prevention, early detection, containment and research into the causes and effects of and dealing with epidemics and pandemics using the example of SARS-CoV-2 and other human-pathogenic microorganisms and viruses.

This includes research, for example on:

the challenges and effects of an epidemic or pandemic and the measures taken on health systems;
psychological, social and cultural factors in the emergence, spread and treatment of epidemics and pandemics as well as legal and ethical implications;
the impact on global and regional economic development, production and value chains, logistics, transport and communication;
biological and medical basics of a pathogen and the respective clinical picture as well as therapeutic procedures or preventive measures in combination with one or more of the aforementioned topics.

The effects of the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak show that epidemics and pandemics cannot be dealt with nationally, but that the global context must be taken into account. In order to be better prepared for the diverse aspects of global waves of infection in the future, a wide range of research must be supported. In addition to researching the current pandemic, fundamental research questions are to be derived and lead to generalizable scientific findings.

German Research Foundation (DFG)