Call for Applications by the Epidemic Science Leadership and Innovation Networks
Investing in research and preparedness for epidemic and pandemic sciences in Africa is crucial for protecting and improving healthcare systems at both national and regional levels. It also plays a vital role in safeguarding the economic stability of the continent by mitigating the negative socio-economic impacts of such outbreaks.
By developing a strong epidemic and pandemic sciences sector that involves academia, industry, government, and policy organizations, Africa can enhance its health security and economic prosperity. This will also enable African experts to have a significant influence on global priorities in epidemic and pandemic research, preparedness, and response.
To achieve this, we are launching EPSILONs, which are Epidemic Science Leadership and Innovation Networks. These networks will consist of three to eight organizations forming a consortium in a ‘hub and spoke’ model. Each consortium will focus on a specific thematic area relevant to epidemic and pandemic sciences research, preparedness, and response.
The EPSILONs will foster a vibrant ecosystem of world-class research and innovation in epidemic and pandemic sciences across Africa. They will bring together experts from various health sectors to address ongoing health challenges and strengthen the continent’s capabilities to respond to future infectious disease threats. Additionally, these networks will facilitate the development of communities of practice that can collaborate in the long term and respond to urgent research and policy needs during future outbreaks.
Eligibility Requirements:
1. Lead applicants are allowed to lead only one application, but they can be co-applicants in multiple applications.
2. Lead applicants must be affiliated with an eligible organization and meet the following criteria:
– Hold an academic or research position.
– Have a salary, or a guaranteed salary, for the entire duration of the award period, or be contractually obligated to have a salary.
Thematic Research Areas:
– Vaccinology and early-stage vaccine research and development.
– Virology, specifically genotype to phenotype.
– Clinical research and clinical trials related to epidemic and pandemic prone infections.
– Research on epidemic and pandemic public health policies.
– Studies on the intersection of climate change, biodiversity, and pandemic prevention.
– Advanced data assembly and analytics for threat assessment and mitigation.
– Social and behavioral sciences.
