SWISS-ASEAN LEARNING AND TEACHING

The 5^th Joint Call for Proposals of Science and Technology in the thematic areas of infectious diseases (incl. COVID-19) and Nanotechnologies is now open for applications.

Requirements

There must be at least 3 partners from 3 different countries - either 2 partners from 2 different Southeast Asian countries and 1 European partner or 2 partners from 2 different European countries and 1 Southeast Asian partner - applying for funding from funding agencies participating in the call.

Type of funded projects

The proposals have to cover the thematic areas of Infectious Diseases (incl. COVID-19) or Nanotechnologies to enhance bi-regional cooperation and develop new partnerships as well as strengthen existing ones. The 2020 S&T call aims to support projects which are close to basic research and the targeted Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at the end of the project should not be higher than 4.

Thematic Areas

Infectious Diseases (incl. COVID-19)

There is a long tradition of cooperation on infectious diseases between Europe and Southeast Asia and health related research is a proven strength of both regions. Nonetheless, major obstacles exist to overcome the existing and increasing global health challenges including the need for a deeper understanding of diseases pathology and the socio-economic causes of the diseases and linked effectiveness of health intervention. There is a strong potential for collaboration in the area of COVID-19 as the whole world is affected by the outbreak situation and require actions, which can contribute tackling the COVID-19 related challenges. Hence, the thematic area of Infectious Diseases may includeCOVID-19 and related post-crisis research, e.g.:

• Research into preventive measures against the next pandemic or epidemic
• Long term studies e.g. related to population genomics, drugs, vaccines
• Post-crisis research to mitigate the impact (e.g. PTSD or other mental health research)

This list of sub-thematic areas does not exclude the submission of project proposals without a COVID-19 related thematic focus

Nanotechnologies

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are highly interdisciplinary and cut across industrial and commercial sectors to research and create new materials and devices with remarkable properties and functions. To name but a few, nanotechnology is being used in medicine, electronics, food, manufacturing and materials or water purification. Despite the fact that the technology has a high potential for both regions, research and innovation cooperation in nanotechnology has still a high untapped potential. Hence addressing setting research and innovation initiatives could bring new avenues for joining scientific and innovation capabilities from both regions. We generally welcome project proposals following an interdisciplinary approach taking into consideration aspects of social science and/or humanities related to the main research focus of the proposal.

Participating Countries

• Belgium, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, the Philippines, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam

Deadline of Submission

• 15 December 2020 at 12:00 (noon) CET