Projektbidrag för forskning om kunskapsluckor inom virus och pandemier

This project grant from the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) aims to provide researchers with freedom to formulate research ideas, methods, and implementation to solve a defined research task within a limited time. The grant focuses on building knowledge to reduce negative consequences on people's lives and health and on society as a result of viral diseases and pandemics, thereby preparing society for future pandemics. The funding encompasses research on knowledge gaps from a broad perspective including both basic virological research and fundamental viral disease mechanisms, as well as research on virus-caused pandemics and their effects on society and public health. This includes research on zoonoses, development of drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and treatment, how equitable and gender-equal health can be ensured during a pandemic, and appropriate organization, governance and coordination of important societal functions during a virus-caused pandemic. The grant supports research within one or more of five focus areas identified within the national research program on viruses and pandemics: (1) viruses, virus-caused disease states and fundamental disease mechanisms; (2) mechanisms for emergence and spread of zoonoses with pandemic potential and strategies for prevention and management of infection spread; (3) development of antiviral drugs, vaccines and diagnostics; (4) societal measures arising from pandemics and their effects on people's living conditions and health; (5) organization, governance and coordination of important societal functions during a pandemic (infrastructures).