In the ValNAM guideline (Closing the gap - validating and implementing new approach methodologies in a regulatory context), the BMBF, in cooperation with the Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (ZonMW), is funding the validation of new methods in a regulatory context.

Support is provided for research and development consortia that validate methods with a focus on toxicity or efficacy studies and already have a technology readiness level (TRL) of between 3 and 7. The goal is to introduce new, animal-free methods that are relevant for humans as OECD test guidelines or to establish qualified models for the efficacy testing of new medicinal products. This should reduce the number of regulatory animal tests in the medium to long term and establish the regulatory use of human-based new methods with an improved translation rate.

Interested parties can now apply for research funding, but only bi-national collaborative projects will be considered.

In this call, ZonMw aims to fund the Dutch partner(s) of four to eight research projects, each with a maximum of K€ 300-600 for the Dutch part of the budget. ZonMw will not be able to fund more than a total of M€ 2.5.

The BMBF aims to fund the German partner(s) of four to eight research projects, each with a maximum of K€ 600-1200 for the German part of the budget. The BMBF will not be able to fund more than a total of M€ 5.

There will be an information event on 28th of January 2025, from 1:00 PM - 2.30 PM (CET).

The submission deadline is April 28, 2025.

Further information can be found here:
https://www.valnam.eu