DISCOV3R Focus Grants
The purpose of the DISCOV3R Program was to investigate Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) as a sustainable long-term testing solution for COVID-19.‘3R’ refers to the three streams of the Program: Reassure; Reclaim; and Repurpose.
This Program took a holistic approach to the use of RATs in the detection of COVID-19 infection, which included their effective use, shelf life and responsible disposal.
Activity were required to align with one of the 3R streams:
- Reassure
Research into the accuracy and sensitivity of RATs in detecting emerging COVID-19 variants. High quality applications to this stream will demonstrate an accurate and repeatable methodology for assessing RATs, a feasible plan for accessing and testing COVID-19 variant samples, and a competitive budget.
- Reclaim
Research into the expiry dates of RATs to determine shelf-life validity, factors impacting shelf-life and whether RATs can be used to diagnose COVID-19 beyond the stated shelf-life. High quality applications to this stream will demonstrate an accurate and repeatable methodology for assessing RATs, a robust and thorough plan for testing variables that may affect shelf life, and a competitive budget.
- Repurpose
Identify opportunities for re-purposing of RATs that are beyond their shelf-life, for example for research use for COVID-19 and/or other coronavirus diseases. High quality applications to this stream will identify and test innovative and significant uses for RATs.
Funding between $100,000 and $350,000 was awarded to the top-ranked application in each stream.
Program status: Closed
The DISCOV3R Focus Grants Guidelines and Conditions, Minimum Data Form and Application Form can be accessed below:
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Information on other FHRI Fund programs can be accessed by subscribing to updates or checking the FHRI Fund current opportunities.