Call 1. Proposals from existing research areas (RAs) in the SciLifeLab-KAW COVID-19 program

What could be applied for?

The ongoing research areas were welcome to send a few well-coordinated collaborative proposals each to continue and strengthen their ongoing research program and to seek new directions, such as by collaborations across the research areas. Existing PIs of the RAs could participate, and new PIs with specific new contributions could be included. Collaborations within and across the research areas were encouraged and no single PI proposals could expect to be funded. The support to team science is meant to create joint resources, such as well characterized, deeply molecularly profiled samples over longitudinal follow-up that can then be utilized (samples and /or data) by the participants and the research community at large, to ask specific follow-up questions. We expect research results, data, and methods, including code, to be released throughout the project according to the FAIR principles and as early as possible in the research process. The information sharing is arranged with the COVID-19 data portal operated by SciLifeLab Data Centre. In particular, proposals based on patient material were asked to provide information about how samples will be made available for additional molecular profiling, and the efforts taken through consent collection and ethics approval to address data- and sample sharing. Separate funding for biobanking, bioinformatics and data handling was not supported, but these components and costs were asked to be integrated into the research proposals, and such integration represented another important evaluation criterium.

SciLifeLab particularly encouraged proposals that create deep, longitudinal data and databases compatible with data mining and future data-driven research. These studies could explore for example, early steps of infection, transition to severe disease or long-covid symptoms. In these types of collaborations:

• The funded studies should create strong world-leading integrated datasets and longitudinal data about COVID-19 etiology, pathogenesis and disease trajectories.
• Molecular profiling costs are likely to be a main expense item, but also salary support can be supported.
• Applications should specify how FAIR data sharing and open access publishing will be addressed, and any exceptions stated at the time of application.
• All projects are required to establish a data management plan (DMP) at the start of the project.
• While the instructions above focus on studies of human subjects, projects related to experimental models or other molecular topics are welcome.
• Created data services or resources should be made openly available through the Swedish COVID-19 data portal.

Who could apply?

Existing PIs of the ongoing research areas, along with other PIs from anywhere in Sweden who wished to join and had relevant new contributions (that the existing research areas acknowledged and supported). Proposals with collaborations within and across research areas were encouraged. The proposers were asked to contact, as early as possible, the research area coordinator about the intention to apply by sending in: broad title of the proposal, intent (few lines), collaborators (for contacts, please see program page).

How much could be applied for?

Guidance for budget 5-6 MSEK for each team science proposal (total cost for years 2021-2022). If very large-scale consortium projects were suggested across several research areas, up to 10-12 MSEK proposals could be considered.

Time period for funding: 2021-2022.

Financial information

The grant only covers OH costs up to 20% and a maximum coverage of 50% for LKP (payroll overhead) on personnel costs. The researcher(s) are responsible for the necessary co-funding needed at each university/department.