Scientific Research

Innovative research helps address emerging challenges and identify new trends in doping, new drugs, new delivery mechanisms and new methods of detection.

Since 2001, more than USD 93 million has been committed to helping researchers around the world develop breakthroughs in anti-doping science.

Grants Program

The Agency’s scientific research grants are critical because they facilitate research dedicated to developing new and improved detection methods for prohibited performance-enhancing substances and methods as well as attract high level researchers to this cause. We promote and fund Scientific Research Projects on these and other topics: 

  • Development or optimization of analytical tools for the detection of doping substances or methods

  • Growth of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)
  • Pharmacology of prohibited substances or drug combinations

WADA places high priority on projects with direct and immediate applicability to advancing clean sport. Accordingly, we rarely fund basic research projects. Instead, we encourage proposals that focus on translational research—especially those that go beyond the discovery phase and demonstrate potential for real-world implementation. Projects involving human studies, where relevant, are particularly encouraged. All proposals should aim to deliver concrete deliverables by the end of the funding period. 

Call for Proposals

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are accepted year-round using the WADA Grants platform. EOIs undergo an initial review and selected research teams are invited to submit a full application. Each full application is independently reviewed by three experts, and the final recommendations are made by the WADA Health, Medical and Research Committee. WADA conducts three review cycles annually, aligned with Executive Committee meetings, during which final funding decisions are made.  

Deadlines for current and upcoming cycles: 

Granting Year 

Cycle 

EOI submitted by 

EOI Decision 

Full Application submission 

Final Decision  

2025 

#2 

28-February-2025 

Early-May-2025 

30-May-2025 

Mid-September-2025 

2025 

#3 

04-July-2025 

Late-August-2025 

03-October-2025 

Mid-December-2025 

2026 

#1 

26-September-2025 

Mid-November-2025 

12-December-2025 

Early-April-2026 

2026 

#2 

27-February-2026 

Early-May-2026 

29-May-2026 

Mid-September-2026 

For further information, please contact our Science & Medicine Department. 

Contact the department via email

Special Topics for Scientific Research Funding

WADA releases special calls when topics of interest are identified. Special topics are listed here, with links to more detailed requests for applications where relevant.  

Note that there are no open Special Topics at the moment

Lists of approved projects through the Scientific Research Grant Program

Note: the lists present research projects provisionally approved through the Scientific Research Grant Program.

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