Tender details
This call is open to invited applicants only and addresses fundamental research questions to improve the understanding of post-acute infectious diseases such as ME/CFS. The aim is to support collaborative consortia developing innovative research projects building on preliminary data from the first WWTF funding round.
Content focus of the tender
Funding is available for collaborative consortia that close crucial knowledge gaps in the field of post-acute infectious diseases – with a particular focus on myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
We are looking for innovative research approaches that expand our current understanding in the following areas:
- Etiopathogenesis
- Diagnostics
- Therapeutic interventions
The projects are intended to address new, previously little-researched issues and strategically build on the results of the first WWTF funding round. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of experimental and clinical methods by interdisciplinary teams.
Successful applications must involve close cooperation between:
- Researchers
- Patient representatives
- other relevant stakeholders
prove.
Interdisciplinary collaborations that combine different scientific expertise are expressly welcomed.
Although the focus is on ME/CFS, projects investigating other post-acute infectious diseases are also welcome – particularly those where post-exertional malaise (exercise intolerance) is a key symptom. The aim is to accelerate breakthroughs that both improve patient care and advance scientific understanding of these complex conditions.
Who can apply?
- Already funded Principal Investigators (PI) or Co-PIs from the WWTF Call 2024 “Understanding ME/CFS” (one application per team)
- Core research team with up to three Principal Investigators (PIs)
- The coordinating PI must work at a university or non-university research institution in Vienna
- Co-PIs can also be located outside Vienna
Project duration
- 24 to 36 months
Promotion
- Total volume of the tender: € 2 million
- Project budget: € 500,000 – € 1 million
- Eligible: Personnel and material costs
- Max. 40 % material costs
- Max. 30 % of the funds outside Vienna
- Up to 20 % overhead costs
Schedule
- Submission deadline: June 23, 2026, 14:00 (CET)
- Funding decision: expected in October 2026
- Project start: January 2027 at the latest
Procedure
- Assessment by an international jury
- International peer review process
- Submission via the WWTF Funding Portal
Further information:
https://wiki.wwtf.at/link/988#bkmrk-international-jury-i
