Funding opportunities

On this page, you can find the latest information about research calls and funding opportunities. These calls support a diverse range of research activities and collaborations, providing opportunities for researchers.

ERDERA Clinical Trial Call 2026

The ERDERA Clinical Trial Call 2026 (ECTC) supports multinational, GCP-compliant early-phase clinical trials in rare diseases, including Phase I, Phase I/II and Phase II studies. The call aims to strengthen clinical evidence and accelerate the development of innovative treatments for patients with rare diseases.

Key dates:

  • Expression of Interest (mandatory): 1 July – 10 September 2026
  • Short Proposal: 15 September – 29 October 2026
  • Support Phase: January – July 2027
  • Full Proposal: July – September 2027
  • Expected funding decisions: February 2028

Only multinational proposals involving eligible partners from at least three different ERDERA member countries can be funded.

More information: ERDERA Clinical Trial Call 2026

Apply now

ERDERA Networking Support Scheme

Permanently Open Call

ERDERA has launched the Networking Support Scheme, a funding initiative aimed at supporting knowledge exchange on rare diseases and rare cancers across Europe.

  • The goal is to boost scientific exchange and engage underrepresented countries in European research.
  • It is open to clinicians, researchers, patient groups, and research managers involved in current networks or developing new ones.

Applications are accepted continuously and reviewed twice a year.

Learn more

Past funding opportunities

ERDERA Joint Transnational Call 2026

(Launched in December 2025)

Titled “Resolving unsolved cases in rare genetic and non‑genetic diseases” this call welcomes proposals focused on providing diagnostic clarity in unsolved rare genetic and non‑genetic diseases.

Call involving patient organisations from the very start is highly desirable.

Important dates

  • 10 December 2025: call launch
  • 16th December 2025: information webinar
  • 12 February 2026: pre-proposal deadline
  • 8 July 2026: full proposal deadline
Please find below the information webinar replay which took place on December 16th 2025 as well as other documents related to the call:

ERDERA Joint Transnational Call 2025 Webinars

Two informative webinars were held in the context of the Joint Transnational Call (JTC) 2025, and their recordings can be accessed via the following survey link: Click here. The recordings will be made available upon completion of the brief survey.

  • Webinar 1 – December 16: This session provided general information about the call, including its scientific goals, administrative requirements, available support services, and strategies for patient engagement. Two dedicated Q&A sessions addressed a range of participants’ questions.
  • Webinar 2 – January 14: This session offered educational and preparatory guidance for applicants at the pre-proposal stage. It focused on enhancing submission quality through key translational, regulatory, data management, and methodological insights, and also included a live Q&A segment.

Although both webinars were initially designed to support applicants of the JTC 2025, ERDERA believes the content remains highly relevant for those interested in participating in future JTCs.

As a reminder, ERDERA launches one Joint Transnational Call per year, typically preceded by a pre-announcement in the Q4 of the calendar year, with the official call launch in December. Each call focuses on a different scientific topic.

DEBRA Research call

DEBRA Research gGmbH, a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and drug development for those affected by Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), launched a call for Basic Science and Research Grants. This funding opportunity supports high-quality, original research projects focused on inherited forms of EB.

Projects that aim to:

  • Advance scientific understanding of EB at the molecular and systemic levels
  • Develop disease-modifying or curative therapies
  • Prevent or treat severe consequences of EB
  • Improve clinical care and symptom relief
  • Overcome infrastructure, data, and technological barriers to enable therapy access

Academic researchers, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and mixed international consortia are welcome to apply.

They strongly encourage collaborative, interdisciplinary proposals that bring novel tools, technologies, and approaches to the field – including but not limited to cell/gene therapies, small molecules, biologics, medical devices, and data-driven (in silico) approaches.

Their process follows a two-stage application model:

  • 1. Expression of Interest (EOI): As a first step, submit a concise outline using the EOI template (see website). EOIs will be assessed for their scientific, clinical, and commercial potential.
  • 2. Full Proposal (by invitation only): In the second step, the shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal via our grant management system (Grant Tracker). This stage includes peer review, a rebuttal opportunity, and a pitch presentation.

For templates, further eligibility details, and guidance, visit www.debra-research.org or contact grants@debra-research.org.