Three topics

Strategic integration

The purpose of these internal EPIZONE projects is to support new and original integration activities of research already established in EPIZONE as well as new and original research activities that fit into one of the EPIZONE themes. The projects must have a clear integrative approach, and can include non-research integration activities e.g. activities related to institutes’ facilities or resources, for example biosafety labs, high containment units and quality systems. Integration with both EPIZONE partners and external partners is encouraged. The aims of this call are:

• Strengthening integration between EPIZIONE WPs and/or EPIZONE themes.
• Integration activities related to non-research activities.
• Strengthening integration of EPIZONE research with other institutions and/or international veterinary health organizations.

Serological diagnostics

The EPIZONE Theme 4 “Diagnostics” is mainly focused on molecular diagnostics like real-time PCR or DNA-Chips or on specialized serological assays like DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animals) serology. However, for several epizootic diseases (e.g. Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) no validated and easy-touse serological assays are available. In addition, for several diseases antibody detection systems are very complex, not fully validated or not updated. Therefore, the aims of this call are:

• Inventory of in-house serological assays
• The development or validation or updating of serological assays for selected epizootic disease(s)
• The collection of reference material for the validation of the selected serological assays
• Integrated use of these serological assays
• The organization of a serology ring trial for the selected disease(s) within EPIZONE.

The development, validation, sera collection and proficiency testing should be enabled by the networking of a consortium of minimum 4 different institutions within EPIZONE. The participation in the ring trial should be an open invitation to all EPIZONE partners. As this method will be intended in many laboratories it must be based on a technology already present in most laboratories (i.e. preferentially an ELISA format). Applications may include requests for funding e.g. of consumables, transport of infectious and other materials, short term stays to complete work, and management of a serology ring trial. Publication of the ring trial and the final SOP would be appreciated.

Joint animal experiments

As researchers we are committed to the 3Rs principles (reduce, refine, replace) when planning research involving use of animals. However, for certain purposes there is no realistic alternative to the use of animals. Experiments using animals are necessary to achieve objectives in several of the EPIZONE Scientific Themes. Examples include, in the testing of vaccination strategies or antivirals, measurement of host immune responses, generating reagents to validate diagnostic tests or in experimental studies to determine mechanisms of transmission. Experiments which involve the use of live pathogens require high containment facilities and these are both very expensive and limited in availability. The aims of this call on “Joint Animal Experiments” are:

• To facilitate excellence in science by working together to achieve the scientific objectives of EPIZONE
• To optimise the use of high containment large animal facilities and limit the use of animals in research
• To use all samples and data obtained from animal experiments as efficiently as possible
• Applications may include requests for funding of short term stays to complete work, transport of infectious and other materials as well as for experimental facilities
• Animal and consumable costs may be included provided these are used for extension into a cooperative experiment which results in a reduction of animal use and overall costs

• Budget format The excel document can be found here
• Proposal format
• PDF all information

Please send your proposal and budget to epizone.cvi@wur.nl