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Myhre Syndrome Foundation International Research Grant Program

We are excited to announce the availability of $100,000 in funding opportunities for research projects focused on Myhre syndrome. Myhre syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, and understanding its mechanisms at a cellular level, establishing human cell lines for research, and identifying potential therapies are paramount to advancing our knowledge and developing treatments.

Application Information

Please review the following documents before applying for a grant.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS 
POLICIES
SCORING CRITERIA
YEARLY REPORT and FINAL REPORT
BUDGET TEMPLATE
AUTHORIZING SIGNATURES

Key Dates:

  • 1 November 2023 to 30 November 2023 - Letters of Interest (optional but recommended)

  • 1 January 2024 to 29 February 2024 – receiving applications

  • 1 March 2024 to 31 March 2024 – review applications

  • Grantees will be notified by 5 April 2024 


Letters of Interest
All interested researchers are invited to submit their Letters of Interest by 30 November 2023. These LOIs should include a brief overview (one page) of your proposed research, your qualifications and expertise in the field, and how your project aligns with the chosen research opportunity. 

This optional step allows researchers to seek input and guidance from the MSF Professional Advisory Board (PAB) on the scope and relevance of their proposed work for the funding program. The submitted LOI will be returned in two weeks alongside PAB comments. This engagement is highly encouraged for first-time applicants and is intended to provide guidance on the suitability of the proposed research; however, it will not be binding on any final funding decisions.  

For additional information and to submit Letters of Interest, contact research@myhresyndrome.org.

Research Opportunities

The MSF is particularly interested in funding research projects that have the potential to accomplish one or more of the following:

  1. Basic Research to Determine Cellular Mechanisms: We invite researchers to submit projects aimed at uncovering the cellular-level mechanisms responsible for the manifestations of Myhre syndrome, including biomarkers. These projects should have a strong foundation in cellular and molecular biology with the goal of contributing to the fundamental knowledge of this rare disorder.

  2. Establishing and Characterizing Human Cell Lines: We are looking for researchers interested in creating and characterizing human cell lines specific to Myhre syndrome. The development of reliable cell lines is critical for drug discovery and the development of therapeutics. Projects should outline strategies for cell line establishment and characterization.

  3. Identifying and Testing Potential Therapies, utilizing animal models: These projects will focus on the pre-clinical phase, preparing for future clinical trials. Proposals should include methodologies for testing potential therapies and their relevance to Myhre syndrome.


Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for research grant funding from the MSF, individuals or teams of Applicants must demonstrate the following:

  1. Applicant(s) must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree;

  2. Applicant(s) must currently hold a full-time position at any level (post-doctoral, research scientist, assistant/associate/full professor, etc.) at an academic institution or in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry;

  3. Applicant(s) will be considered from both the United States and internationally.


Funding Types and Limitations

  • Idea, US $50,000 maximum Total Cost, 1-2 years in duration. Idea applications are well-suited for basic research/discovery science applications and have a lower threshold for the amount of preliminary data required compared to Development applications.

  • Development, US $100,000 maximum Total Cost, 2-3 years in duration. Development applications have a higher threshold of preliminary data and are ideally suited for proposals with clear implications for therapeutic development.


Please note the following will not be funded by the MSF. Collaborator salaries; Salaries or stipends for students; General institutional expenses; General fundraising campaign expenses such as dinners and mass mailings; Miscellaneous expenses unrelated to the research project, including but not limited to journal subscriptions, advertisements, tuition fees, professional society dues, meals, receptions, or parking fees.

Research grant funds awarded by the MSF must be used for the specific purpose for which they were originally intended in the grant proposal. Any funds not used in the manner specified in the grant award must be returned to the MSF. Applicant(s) may apply for an extension of time to use the remaining funds at the end of the grant period.

Grant recipients shall provide a yearly Research Grant Progress Report summarizing results obtained with funds provided by the MSF. The Report must indicate plans to publish research findings in scientific or medical journals. The MSF requests that all publications or presentations resulting from research funded by the MSF include an acknowledgment of this support and, where possible, our contact information.