FacioScapuloHumeral Muscular Dystrophy Society Research Grants and Fellowships
The FSH Society offers basic research grants, research fellowships and postdoctoral fellowships to support research relevant to understanding the molecular genetics and cause of Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD).
To obtain an application, please submit a letter of intent. The letter of intent should contain a single page introductory cover letter plus a one or two page descriptive summary of the proposed research – enough for a decision from the Scientific Advisory Board. A well conceived and tight rationale for a research project can easily lend itself to one page. The letter of intent may be submitted at any time to the FSH Society, attention: Dr. David Housman, Scientific Advisory Board Chairman.
Indirect costs are not included, but fringe benefits are considered part of personnel costs and are included.
Deadlines for receipt of grant, research fellowship and postdoctoral fellowship applications are February 28/29 and August 31 of each year.
Payment for each year of the award is made in two equal installments - the first on the activation date (or the anniversary thereof) and the second six months after the beginning of the award period (or the anniversary thereof). A five to ten page progress-to-date package will be sent by the grantee at the end of nine months to the SAB for review. The subsequent year(s) of funding will not be activated prior to a review of the nine-month progress report and an explanation of any changes that the work necessitates or changes in specific aims for the next year. The progress report is required at nine months after the start of each award year.
Propagatable reagents and biomaterials, including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant DNAs, cell lines, propagatable cells, and animal models created using FSH Society funds are to be made freely available to other investigators following publication of the relevant paper. The Society's position is that there be no restrictions or proprietary rights in materials produced with our support.
Grant Applications
Support will be given for research projects expected to contribute to identifying and understanding the basic defect in FSHD. Areas of interest include tissue, cell and molecular biology studies of FSHD and the development of animal models for FSHD. Proposals are sought for research that involves isolation and characterization of the causative gene(s) and understanding of the genetic, neuromuscular and developmental mechanisms of the disease. Further, there is interest in the development of gene therapy and other therapeutic programs that may arise from that understanding.
The range of awards for regular research grants is typically between $30,000 and $45,000 per year. Grants are usually for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two years.
In addition to its regular grants, the Society offers a special Delta Railroad Construction Grant for innovative proposals accelerating the discovery of treatments and a cure for FSHD. A Delta Grant can be funded for one year for up to $40,000.
As the Society has limited funds, our grants are considered "seed money." If the project shows promise, it is hoped that other institutions will fund it thereafter. Many FSH Society fellows and grantees have noted that these grants have enabled them to go on to receive larger grants from other institutions.
Generally, awards do not include salaries of the principal investigator. Indirect costs are not included, but fringe benefits are considered part of personnel costs and can be included.
Grant applications should be completed and sent by e-mail to the FSH Society.
A reference sheet is enclosed with each grant application for use by three or more applicant-selected personnel acquainted with the applicant’s relevant experience.
If reprints are included in the application, please provide electronic copies.
Applications are reviewed by primary reviewers as well as by the FSH Society's Scientific Advisory Board. The Society will notify the applicant about the funding decision by letter only.
Senior Researcher Fellowship and Postdoctoral Fellowship Applications
Support will be given for research projects that contribute to identifying and understanding the basic defect of FSHD.
The range of awards for fellowships is typically between $30,000 and $50,000. Fellowships are usually for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to three years.
Indirect costs are not included, but fringe benefits are considered part of personnel costs and can be included.
Fellowships may be renewed for second and third years, subject to satisfactory progress reports at nine months.
A reference sheet is enclosed with each fellowship application for use by three or more applicant-selected personnel acquainted with the applicant’s relevant experience.
Applications should include the applicant's curriculum vitae, plus that of the research sponsor, and send by email to the FSH Society. If reprints are included in the application, please include provide electronic copies.
The Society will notify the applicant about the funding decision by letter only.
FSH Society, Inc.
BBRI R353
64 Grove Street
Watertown, MA 02472 USA
Telephone: (617) 658-7878, -7877 or (781) 275-7781
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST. Voicemail messages may be left after hours.
Fax: (617) 658-7879 or (781) 275-7789
E-mail: info@fshsociety.org
