Biocodex Microbiota Foundation Grant Program

The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation International Call for Projects focuses on advancing research into the role of gut microbiota in human health and disease. The Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Biocodex, aims to support innovative scientific studies that explore microbiome-related mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Each year, the Foundation defines a thematic priority through its independent International Scientific Committee, and for this call, the focus is on diet-microbiome interactions shaping immune function in the treatment of human disease. This reflects a growing recognition of how dietary factors influence microbiota composition and immune responses, with implications for disease management and prevention. The purpose of this grant program is to fund high-quality research projects that integrate microbiome analysis, immunophenotyping, and a dietary component within a human disease context. Projects must be conducted primarily in human subjects and should not focus exclusively on healthy populations. Additionally, the Foundation discourages purely observational studies, instead requiring some level of experimental validation to ensure meaningful scientific contribution. Both clinical and fundamental research proposals are eligible, provided they align closely with the thematic focus and demonstrate potential benefits to human health. The funding provided under this program is a fixed amount of 200000 euros, inclusive of VAT, regardless of the project duration, which may range from one to three years. Funds are awarded to institutions such as universities, hospitals, or research organizations rather than to individuals. The grant is intended to support essential project costs, including personnel, equipment, and operational expenses. However, certain expenditures are explicitly excluded, such as travel, conference participation, accommodation, and publication costs. Institutional overhead is capped at 10 percent, and applicants must justify the full use of the awarded funds in their budget proposals. Eligibility for the grant is open to qualified researchers holding MD, PhD, or PharmD degrees who are working in relevant fields such as gastroenterology, microbiology, pediatrics, infectious diseases, or internal medicine. There are no geographic restrictions, allowing applicants from any country to apply. However, principal investigators who have previously received an international grant from the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation are not eligible to apply again, although those who have received national grants remain eligible. Applications must be submitted by a single research department, though collaboration with external partners is permitted. The application process requires submission of a structured proposal in English, adhering to specific formatting and content guidelines. Required components include a two-page curriculum vitae for the principal investigator, a one-page confidential scientific summary, a half-page non-confidential summary, and a detailed project description limited to three pages. Additional required sections include a bibliography, budget, and project timeline, each constrained to one page. Applications must be submitted electronically via email, and incomplete or non-compliant submissions will not be considered. Applications are evaluated by an independent International Scientific Committee based on criteria including scientific quality, originality, relevance to the theme, feasibility, and potential impact on human health. The committee also considers the qualifications of the research team and the adequacy of the research environment. Decisions made by the committee are final and not subject to appeal. The deadline for submission is November 30, 2026, and successful applicants will be notified in May 2027. Grant recipients are required to submit annual interim reports for projects exceeding one year and a final report within six months of project completion. They must also acknowledge the Foundation’s support in all publications and communications related to the project. Additionally, recipients agree to allow the Foundation to publicize their project summaries. The Foundation reserves the right to postpone or extend the call if the number of applications is insufficient, ensuring flexibility in maintaining the quality and competitiveness of the program.

Ensure strong alignment with the diet microbiome immune theme include experimental validation not purely observational justify full budget clearly and demonstrate feasibility within 3 years