The Indian Government and the European Union (EU), on August 28, joined hands for Rs. 240 crore research programme named “Horizon 2020” to develop a Next Generation Influenza Vaccine to protect citizens across the globe.
The event held at New Delhi and saw 100 applicants both from India and Europe participating in it.
Both the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India and EU, have also committed EUR 15 million each to fund this joint call for the program to develop a cost-effective and affordable influenza vaccine.
EU Ambassador H.E. Mr. Tomasz Kozlowski said, “This joint call is another demonstration of the increased cooperation between the EU and India as committed by the leaders during the Summit in October 2017.”
“India and the EU are contributing to an important global public health challenge. Improved influenza vaccines would help the international community to better prepare in the event of an influenza pandemic,” Kozlowski further added.
While the projects require three applicants from both three European member states and India respectively, the call which will remain open until April 16, 2019, also allows applicants from other nations to join the EU-India consortia.
