The Tufts University/Tufts Medical Center COVID-19 Rapid Response Seed Funding Program is intended to fast track innovative research proposals that directly address the urgent needs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jointly funded by Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center, priority will be given to work with a high probability of generating new knowledge and/or changing clinical practice (access to treatment and diagnosis). Projects that build on the strengths of diverse and interdisciplinary teams of three or more researchers are encouraged. Awards will be made up to $50,000 and distributed equally between Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center. A total of $300,000 is dedicated to the seed funding program.

The fund is highly flexible; it allows researchers to access resources immediately needed by research groups to meet goals. It will also develop partnerships with the research institutions in the region to support projects designed to help the community deal with both the immediate and long-term effects of the global crisis. The lead principal investigator on the application must be an employee of Tufts University and/or Tufts Medical Center, but applicants may partner with collaborators at community-based, local non-profit organizations (preferably in Tufts University’s host communities of Boston, Grafton, Medford or Somerville and/or with Tufts Medical Center’s Wellforce partner hospitals) to develop and/or implement the proposed project. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of Tufts University and Tufts Medical Center representatives who will make funding recommendations to Tufts University Vice Provost for Research Caroline Genco and Tufts Medical Center Chief Scientific Officer Errol Norwitz.          

How to Apply               

Applications are due by 5 PM on Thursday, April 30, 2020 and must be submitted as a single PDF attachment to COVID19Funding@tufts.edu. Funding decisions will be made by May 15, 2020. Please use the proposal template.

Questions may be directed to COVID19Funding@tufts.edu.