HEC with the support of the World Bank invites universities, researchers and technologist to submit research proposal for COVID-19 RAPID Research and Innovation Initiative (RRII) that can help to address the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 RRII invites researchers to use the RAPID Research and Innovation funding mechanism, which allows HEC to receive and review proposals dealing with topics and issues of severe urgency with regard to the availability of or access to data, facilities or specialized equipment as well as quick-response research on COVID-19.
The RRIF will provide funds to selected institutions based upon a competitive, yet swift peer-review of proposals.
There is an urgent and immediate need for research in order to gain a better understanding of the epidemic, to understand and contain the patterns of spread, develop diagnostics and improve patient care and the public health response.
The priority themes for RRIF support includes Development of Infectious Diseases Surveillance Systems using big data analytics and artificial intelligence, Disease Epidemiological Modeling, Immune Patterns of COVID-19, Treatment modalities and strategies, Indigenous manufacture of Low cost Intensive-care equipment, Development of disinfectants particularly using indigenous herbal ingredients: low-cost sterilization and sanitation material for hospitals and Information Collection and Dissemination IT platforms.
An additional priority area for the funding instrument RAPID Innovation Seed Fund (RISF) is Education Technology to facilitate learning at the basic and secondary education levels in a COVID-19 environment
Each applicant seeking funding through the RAPID Research and Innovation Fund can propose an idea based on one of priority themes and can apply through three funding instruments, RAPID Research Grant (RRG), RAPID Technology Transfer Grant (RTTG) and RAPID Innovation Seed Fund (RISF).