Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
Digital Europe Programme is the first EU programme that aims to accelerate the recovery and drive the digital transformation of Europe.
Worth €7.6 billion (in current prices), the Programme is a part of the next long-term EU budget, (the Multiannual Financial Framework), and it covers 2021 to 2027. It will provide funding for projects in five crucial areas: supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and ensuring the wide use of digital technologies across the economy and society.
The Programme is fine-tuned to fill the gap between the research of digital technologies and their deployment, and to bring the results of research to the market – for the benefit of Europe’s citizens and businesses, and in particular SMEs. Investments under the Digital Europe programme supports the Union’s twin objectives of a green transition and digital transformation and strengthens the Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
This action will support the implementation of the Genome of Europe (GoE) multi-country project and contribute to achieving the objectives and long-term ambition of the 1+million Genomes (1+MG) initiative. The focus of the action is on whole genome sequencing at clinical grade depth necessary for clinical application.
Detailed Call Description
The focus of the action is on whole genome sequencing at clinical grade depth necessary for clinical application. This can be achieved by coordinated WGS sequencing expected to enable massive new data collection in all GoE countries. WGS data for the GoE must be generated following the 1+MG Trust Framework that brings together a set of minimal recommendations to enable secure crossborder access to genomic data in Europe, in particular as regards ethical and legal aspects, data standards, data quality and technical inter-operability.
The biological samples needed to generate the data, i.e., to sequence the genomes, can either originate from existing population-based cohorts and national biobanks, or be collected from participants recruited specifically for the national and European GoE reference databases.
In parallel to data generating activities (WGS sequencing), the architecture, hardware and software necessary to aggregate and sustain the national reference databases and a European reference database (The Genome of Europe) need to be designed, developed and implemented in cooperation with the Genomic Data Infrastructure (GDI) project. As well as newly generated GoE data, this should ensure effective integration of available national population-based WGS collections established before or independently of the GoE.
The participants will be selected at the national level to be representative of the respective population, including a contribution of relevant minorities.
For data security reasons, sample transport, all WGS activities and genomic data transfer and storage must take place within the territory of eligible countries. Data security at all stages of the data lifecycle must be ensured.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
50%
Maximum grant amount per project: €20 000 000
Thematic Categories
- Health
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Large Enterprises
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must be legal entities (public or private bodies) established in EU Member States or listed EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and countries associated to the Digital Europe Programme.
Entities must not be directly or indirectly controlled from a country that is not an eligible country. All entities have to fill in and submit a declaration on ownership and control.
Moreover:
- participation in any capacity (as beneficiary, affiliated entity, associated partner, subcontractor or recipient of financial support to third parties) is limited to entities established in eligible countries.
- In addition, in order to be eligible, all participants from associated countries (except EEA countries) and all entities established in the EU or EEA territory but controlled by a third country or third country legal entities (including DEP associated countries), have to present an adequate guarantee approved by their eligible country of establishment, to comply with the conditions set out in the Work Programme Annex 3.
- project activities (included subcontracted work) must take place in eligible countries (see section geographic location below and section 10)
Targeted stakeholders
Public and private entities such as (but not limited to): public administrations (national, regional and local level), hospitals, research institutes, biobanks, research agencies, research infrastructures.
Consortium composition:
- A consortium of at least 5 applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities) and which complies with the following conditions:
- Minimum 5 independent applicants (beneficiaries; not affiliated entities) from 5 different eligible countries
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy
Directorate of Research and Innovation
Eleana Gabriel
Telephone: +357 22 691918
Email: egabriel@dmrid.gov.cy