Medical Research and Development (MRD) Projects are large, interdisciplinary projects concerning medically, and ideally clinically, based research. They can focus either on:

• the in-depth analysis of a particular disease using a systems approach,
• quantitative and integrated approaches to medical problems, or
• the development and implementation of novel technologies with the potential to enhance the treatment or diagnosis of a disease.

All MRD Projects must contain quantitative elements and show an interdisciplinary character by linking research groups from traditionally separate disciplines. 

Inter-institutional research including hospitals
Comparable to an RTD Project, an MRD Project should be proposed and led by a principal investigator (PI). She or he will be responsible for the coordination and scientific progress of the project. At the same time, several research groups representing complementary fields will contribute to reach the project’s main goals. 

The consortium of an MRD Project should consist of three to eight research groups and involve at least two SystemsX.ch partner institutions, preferably including hospitals and/or the private sector. MRD Projects will be funded for three years.

With the 10th call for proposals, issued in March 2014, SystemsX.ch launched the new MRD Project category. Nine MRD Projects were approved and are now funded by SystemsX.ch (see the results of the 10th SystemsX.ch call).

The 10th SystemsX.ch call was the only call for MRD Projects.