European partnership fostering a European Research Area (ERA) for health research

The EU initiative PREVENT-OO supports transnational and interdisciplinary research projects within the ERA4Health partnership aimed at elucidating the biological and social mechanisms of overweight and obesity, as well as developing innovative prevention strategies during critical life stages. Funding is provided for both mechanistic studies on the onset and progression of overweight (Topic 1) and public health approaches for transitional phases such as postpartum, menopause, or retirement (Topic 2). Participating research consortia must consist of three to five partners from at least three funding countries and deliver results within 36 months in the form of publications, economic impact analyses, and recommendations for policymakers. Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material and equipment costs, travel expenses, as well as expenditures for publication and dissemination, while Phase 3/Phase 4 studies and projects focusing exclusively on 12–25-year-olds are excluded.

Funding is available for academic institutions, companies, public health organizations, and other operational actors who jointly submit pre-proposals by 21.01.2026 (12:00 CET) and full proposals by 11.06.2026 (12:00 CEST) electronically. Selection is based on innovation content, scientific excellence, societal benefit, transnational consortium structure, and expected impact on health systems. A two-stage evaluation process with pre-proposal and full-proposal phases, including a rebuttal stage, ensures fair assessment. Projects are expected to start from December 2026 and will be co-financed by national funding organizations. Interested researchers and stakeholders in the EU and associated countries are invited to familiarize themselves with the ERA4Health templates and national requirements and to seize the opportunity to advance effective prevention concepts against overweight and obesity.