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NeuroCure / SPARK-BIH: Call for Applications 2022

NeuroCure / SPARK-BIH is very pleased to announce that the call for proposals 2022 is now open. NeuroCure is a Cluster of Excellence in the neurosciences at the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Researchers and clinicians from the Neuroscience community, including PIs, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students are invited to submit translational project applications until July 4th, 2022 (14:00 CET).

Core Objective

Do you work on a new technology, therapy or medical solution with clinical potential, but the developmental know-how is lacking? Do you want to validate your research findings with the goal of translating these into therapies, products or services? Why not let the NeuroCure / SPARK-BIH program enhance the translatability of your innovative technology!

NeuroCure / SPARK-BIH supports the development of novel therapeutics (small molecule, biologics, ATMP, gene therapy), medical devices and diagnostics, as well as the repurposing of existing drugs for new indications and digital health projects. NeuroCure / SPARK-BIH empowers project teams to overcome translational hurdles through education, mentoring, expert advice, funding and entrepreneurship support.

Eligibility

Researchers and clinicians from the Neuroscience community are eligible for funding, including PIs, postdoctoral researchers and graduate students. Applications need to be co-signed by a NeuroCure PI who will hold the financial responsibility. Collaborative applications including two, or more PIs are highly encouraged.

Program Overview: Budget and Duration

Funding can be granted for up to 50.000 €. The funding period is max. one year (see 'Guide for Applicants - NeuroCure').

Project funding is strictly milestone-based. If it is determined at any point that the project goals cannot be met anymore, the funding will be terminated.

Project Requirements

All project proposals have to demonstrate a translational relevance. Essential evaluation criteria include:

Scope of unmet clinical need
Novelty of approach
Fit of proposed solution to unmet clinical need
Feasibility (budget and time)
Quality of data
Suitability of team
Marketability/probability of commercialization

Application Process & Selection Procedure

To apply, please submit your project proposals in English via the online BIH application portal.
The submission deadline is July 4th, 2022 at 14:00 CET.
Applicants of selected projects will be invited to pitch their proposals between September 12th and 14th in front of an expert committee. Detailed information will be communicated directly to the selected project teams.
Funded projects are expected to start in Fall 2022.

All applicants who are unsure whether their project is suitable for our funding program are encouraged to contact the NeuroCure / SPARK-BIH team before submitting a proposal to ensure that their project meets the requirements of the call.

NeuroCure seeks to increase the diversity of its funding programs. Women, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, as well as individuals with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply for this program.

NeuroCure

NeuroCure is a Cluster of Excellence in the neurosciences funded since 2007 by the German federal and state governments (Excellence Initiative), receiving further funding within the Excellence Strategy since 2019. The focus of the Cluster is on investigating neurological and psychiatric disorders. The aim of this interdisciplinary research network is to better understand disease mechanisms and to develop new therapies. 2020, NeuroCure and SPARK-BIH joined forces to find the best teams from the neuroscience community to be part in the translational program of SPARK-BIH.

Submission Deadline

July 4th, 2022, 14:00 CET

BIH Application Portal

Please click here for the online BIH application portal. In case of technical problems with the online portal, please contact portal@bih-charite.de. We recommend using the Google Chrome browser for your online application.