DEADLINE: DISCOV3R Program Application

The purpose of the DISCOV3R Program is 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 aims to take a holistic approach to the use of RATs in the detection of COVID-19 infection, which includes their effective use, shelf life and responsible disposal.

The Activity must align with one of the 3R streams:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 will be awarded to the top-ranked application in each stream. Subject to budget availability and the quality of applications received, additional applications may be awarded funding.

Program status: Open for Applications

Application Form due: 1:00 pm (AWST), Thursday 6 April 2023