The PLP program in SciLifeLab has decided to identify and support Technology Development Projects with the potential to generate important capabilities within PLP at the major Clinical Microbiology laboratories in Sweden. This will be done by financially supporting technology development projects related to pandemic research in Clin Micro labs. Research and development of analysis methods is needed before and during pandemics and this can be supported financially within the PLP program and by giving access to the SciLifeLab infrastructure and research network. Areas of interest are diagnostics and analyses of infectious diseases, analyses of immune responses during infections and vaccination and studies of resistance development in viruses, bacteria and other infectious agents. The TDP can also involve education of personnel and support of bioinformatic analyses and data handling.

Applicants can apply for up to 1 MSEK/year for 1 year (2022/2023) with a potential for further funding 2024. A maximum of 8 TDPs will be supported in this call.

The main applicant has to be employed by the Clinical Microbiology laboratory and associated with a University. The TDP grant is personal for the main applicant.

Evaluation criteria: All applications will be evaluated by the SciLifeLab management group and external evaluators. Decision of funding will be made by the SciLifeLab board on March 19, 2022.

Start of funding: April 1, 2022. Funds available until July 31, 2023.