WADA promotes and funds Scientific Research Projects on development or optimization of analytical tools for the detection of doping substances or methods, growth of the Athlete Biological Passport, the pharmacology of prohibited substances and of drug combinations, evaluation of doping potential and anti-doping testing programs. With this objective, WADA gives high priority to projects with direct and imminent applicability (including human studies if applicable) in the fight against doping in sport; and therefore, rarely funds basic research projects.
Scientific Research Grant Topics For 2024
WADA has identified relevant areas of research in the field of anti-doping; in particular, those related to the 2024 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods. It should be noted that higher priority will be granted to proposals addressing:
Detection/improvement of detection/quantification of peptide and protein hormones and growth factors, preferably by, but not limited to, chromatography-mass spectrometric methods;
Improved window (retrospectivity) of detection of prohibited substances/methods (e.g., detection of new longterm metabolites including administration studies, improved methodologies of detection, analyte multiplexing);
Pharmacokinetic studies to establish thresholds or minimum reporting levels of prohibited substances or their metabolites (e.g., beta-2 agonists, stimulants) to distinguish permitted (e.g., out-of-competition or route) from prohibited use, natural sources vs. intended use or presence in food residues;
Detection of autologous blood transfusion, including validation of candidate biomarkers or molecular signatures;
The Athlete Biological Passport (e.g. new biomarkers of doping or confounding factors relevant to the hematological, steroidal or endocrine [markers of growth hormone] modules); and
Selected Certified Reference Material synthesis (please consult WADA for materials needed).
2024 Cycle
WADA is moving to a new year-round grant application system, based on Expression of Interest (EOI) submission as a first step, followed by an invitation to submit a full application for selected research teams.
| Cycles | Granting Year | EOI submitted by | EOI decision | Full application submission | Decision notice expected by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024 | 29 February 2024 | late April-2024 | 31 May 2024 | October-2024 |
| 2 | 2024 | 30 June 2024 | late August 2024 | 30 September 2024 | January 2025 |
Further Information
Refer to the WADA website and Call Document for additional information on how to apply.
Contact
Applicants are encouraged to contact WADA (science@wada-ama.org) for assistance with composition of the research team and access to biological samples, as well as other technical aspects.