CEPI is pleased to launch a Call for Proposals that aims to answer whether a human Rift Valley fever (RVF) vaccine efficacy study is feasible. To do this, we are seeking applications from interdisciplinary consortia, combining expertise in RVF epidemiology, modelling or AI to investigate/ address the following questions within a timeframe of two years (target completion date January 2027). In-scope areas include:
RVF epidemiology and modelling
- Where, when and how frequently do human RVF cases and outbreaks occur?
- What is the incidence of RVF in different at-risk populations?
- What are critical risk factors for RVF infection in humans (E.g. occupations and behaviours)
- Are there human RVF “hotspots” or hyperendemic areas where there is ongoing RVF infection of humans? If yes, where are they and why do they exist?
- How does the RVF virus persist between epidemics?
- What determines when and where spillovers to livestock or humans occur?
- What signals could be monitored as part of an efficient early warning system for RVF outbreaks to support outbreak response clinical trials?
Vaccine trials
- What would be a suitable clinical case definition of RVF for evaluating vaccines in a clinical trial entail?
- What is the frequency of coinfections with other pathogens causing febrile illness and how will coinfections affect the evaluation of RVF vaccines in a clinical trial?
- How would other interventions, such as livestock vaccination and vector control impact on the feasibility of an RVF vaccine efficacy study trial in humans?
- Are human RVF vaccine efficacy studies feasible, and if so, with what design or location.
CEPI will consider proposals for up to, but not more than, $5M USD. Read the full Call for Proposal text for further information, including eligibility criteria.
How to apply
Before submitting a full proposal, please express your intent to submit here.
All proposals must be submitted through CEPI’s Call for Proposals portal. You must use the application template (below) to apply.
In order to apply, you will need to be set up as a CEPI Portal User. This will give the applicant the option to submit a full application, follow the status of the proposal, and check in on project data if receiving funding from CEPI. To be set up as a Portal User please click on the ‘Register Now’ button on the page to complete the Registration form.
If you have any questions relating to proposal suitability, please contact the dedicated Support form with as much detail as possible on the following link: https://cepi.my.site.com/support.
The deadline for submission is September 20th 2024, 12:00 (CET).