Fondation Bertarelli Catalyst Fund

Diseases and injuries can severely affect the functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as the sensory organs. To develop novel therapeutic approaches – gene therapy, optogenetics, bioactive molecules, diagnostic tools, imaging techniques, or implants, among others – the Fondation Bertarelli has donated CHF 5 millions to create a Catalyst Fund. This fund is designed to foster innovative research and the development of life-saving treatments for diseases (including rare diseases) affecting the brain, the spinal cord, the peripheral nervous system, and the sensory organs.
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For more information

The 2020 third call for proposals was targeted at research projects (including basic research approaches) focusing on diagnostic procedures and/or therapeutic interventions for diseases/disabilities affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems and the sensory organs.
Projects could be collaborative, and a preference was given to new projects.

Projects are open to one or more applicants from academic institutions of Western Switzerland (Bern, Fribourg, Geneva, Jura, Neuchâtel, Valais, Vaud), with preferably some components of the project being implemented at Campus Biotech.
Projects involving an academic institution in the rest of Switzerland or in Europe are also considered provided:
- the principal research is conducted in collaboration with an academic institution of Western Switzerland and
- the principal research, or at least part of it, is conducted at Campus Biotech.

Funding is available for 24-month projects.
Budgets are in the range of CHF 300’000 total per project.
Eligible costs include and are limited to:
- Personnal costs
- Travel and conference costs
- Scientific equipment(s) and other infrastucture of durable value
- Research funds
Check the application guidelines for more details.

Please read carefully the application guidelines.
All required documents must be submitted on the online submission platform.
All documents must be submitted in English.

The 2020 third call for proposals is now closed.

Proposals are evaluated by a committee chaired by Professor Pierre Magistretti and comprising three other members who are jointly appointed by the chairman and the Fondation Bertarelli.