A CALL FOR WORKING GROUPS ON HARMONISATION AND ALIGNMENT IN BRAIN IMAGING METHODS
AS OF MARCH 10, 2016, THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED.
On January 8, 2016, the EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) launched a rapid-action call for working groups on brain imaging methods. The call aims to support the field’s leading scientists in advancing novel approaches that will enhance the use of imaging for neurodegenerative disease research.
Imaging techniques such as MR, PET and EEG mapping have brought about a dramatic improvement in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In recent years, access to cutting-edge imaging technologies and platforms has expanded, and advances have been made in the harmonisation of acquisition procedures across scanners and vendors. However, fully capitalising on the use of brain imaging technologies for neurodegeneration research will require the development of new methodologies and the ability to achieve image acquisition and analysis at scale and at the global level.
JPND has decided that such issues can be progressed most effectively through assembling motivated groups of leading experts in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Accordingly, the purpose of the call is to establish a limited number of transnational working groups to address the key challenges facing the use of new and innovative brain imaging techniques in neurodegenerative disease research. The working groups will be community-led and will establish ‘best practice’ guidelines and/or methodological frameworks to overcome these barriers.
Funds available and form of support
Each working group can bid up to €50,000 for the support of its activities, which are expected to run for a maximum of 9 months, with the possibility for the country funding agencies to approve an extension of up to 12 months in total. Funding will cover the costs of meetings and travel required to deliver the working groups’ objectives. It is expected that the budget will allow for two small workshops, with further work to be undertaken through email or tele-/web-conferencing.
Participating JPND countries
Working groups may be comprised of members of any JPND-member country and beyond. However, the lead coordinator of the working group should be based in one of the following countries that are contributing to this call:
- Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Denmark, Innovation Fund Denmark
- France, French National Research Agency
- Germany, Federal Ministry of Education and Research
- Ireland, Health Research Board
- Italy, Ministry of Health
- Netherlands, The Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development
- Norway, The Research Council of Norway
- Spain, National Institute of Health Carlos III
- Sweden, Swedish Research Council
- Switzerland, Swiss National Science Foundation
- United Kingdom, Medical Research Council
Deadline: The proposal submission deadline is 23:59H C.E.T. on March 10, 2016.
Where can I get more information about this call? Links to the relevant documents and resources can be found below:
Call text – download all specific information about the call [PDF]
Proposal Template – mandatory for creating proposals. No other formats are accepted.
Proposal Submission Tool – mandatory for submitting proposals. No other routes are accepted.
Call Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – click to view the call FAQ or to download a PDF copy.
Joint Call Secretariat representatives are available for questions:
Dr. Constanze Hahn (Phone +49-228-3821-1865; E-mail: Constanze.Hahn(at)DLR.de)
Dr. Thomas Becker (Phone: +49-228-3821-1686; E-mail: Thomas.Becker(at)DLR.de)