Funding Opportunities--Dystonia
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation
All Regions
12/15/2008
$130,000

Funding Opportunities

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) encourages and supports research related to the causes, mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of all forms of dystonia, the third most common movement disorder. Through a peer-review process, all applications are reviewed and ranked by the DMRF’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council, who then make recommendations to the Board of the Directors for funding.

Types of Awards

Fellowships
A two-year Fellowship is designed to assist post-doctoral fellows establish careers in research relevant to dystonia.

The DMRF supports hypothesis-driven research at the genetic, molecular, cellular, systems, or behavioral levels that may lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of dystonia or to new therapies for dystonia.

Funding for fellowships is $50,000 per year for two years.

Research Grants
Research grants are available in support of hypothesis-driven research at the genetic, molecular, cellular, systems, or behavioral levels that may directly or indirectly lead to a better understanding of the pathophysiology and to new therapies for any or all forms of dystonia. Although early-onset primary generalized dystonia is of special interest, we also support studies on the focal dystonias, including laryngeal dystonia/spasmodic dysphonia, as well as secondary dystonias.

Funding for grants is available up to $65,000 per year for 1 or 2 years.

The deadline for grant and fellowship applications is December 15, 2008. Applications and guidelines will be available September 15.

Dystonia Medical Research FoundationNational Headquarters
One East Wacker Drive, Suite 2810
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1905
Phone: 312-755-0198
Toll free: 800-377-DYST (3978)
In Canada: 800-361-8061
Fax: 312-803-0138
Email: dystonia@dystonia-foundation.org

Behavioral Scientist, Cell Biologist, Molecular Biologist , Neurologist, Physician Researcher, Young Investigator, Young Scientist
Therapeutics Development Initiative 2009
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
All Regions
01/20/2009
$0

Therapeutics Development Initiative 2009
Pre-Proposal Receipt Date: January 20, 2009 – 6:00pm US ET

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) announces the launch of its Therapeutics Development Initiative (TDI) for Spring 2009, a funding mechanism to support and stimulate preclinical Parkinson’s disease research at for-profit institutions. This funding program seeks to support preclinical development of Parkinson’s disease therapies which have the potential for fundamentally altering disease course and/or improving treatment of symptoms above and beyond current standards of care. Proposals must focus on key and critical preclinical studies necessary for developing, optimizing and evaluating therapeutic strategies that if successful can move into human testing.
Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of the proposed project will be solely that of the principal investigator who must be an employee of a for-profit entity. Academic investigators may have an advisory role in the project, but the operational and strategic ownership of the project must reside within the company.

Investigators may seek up to two years of funding for preclinical development and testing of novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment or prevention of Parkinson’s disease.

Please note that pre-proposals are mandatory and will be used to evaluate your proposal’s fit with the stated aims and review criteria of the RFP. All pre-proposals received in response to this program will be subjected to a triage process and only those pre-proposals deemed to be of suitable scientific merit will be invited to submit a full application.

MJFF employs an expedited, abbreviated granting mechanism to accelerate discoveries and ultimately translate findings to PD patients more quickly.

Conference Call
MJFF will hold a 45 minute long conference call on December 16, 2008 at 12:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time to clarify and explain the Therapeutics Development Initiative 2009 program and to answer applicants' questions. To participate in this call, you must RSVP via email to conferencecalls@michaeljfox.org. Participants will receive a reply with call-in details.

While there are no restrictions as to the specific approaches to be studied under this RFP,
successful applications are most likely to focus on at least one of the following categories:
o Neuroprotective strategies focused on slowing or preventing the process of neuronal
death.
o Neuroregenerative strategies to restore or replace neuronal function.
o Novel drug delivery mechanisms and/or surgical procedures.
o Innovative therapeutic approaches to treat the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD,
including cognitive dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disorders, or depression
among others.
o Therapeutic approaches to alleviate complications of PD treatment including dyskinesias,
etc.

If you would like to contact the Foundation, please call toll-free at 1-800-708-7644, or contact us by regular mail at the following address:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Church Street Station
P.O. Box 780
New York, NY 10008-0780

Clinical Pharmacist, Neurochemist, Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Scientist
Prize4Life Biomarker Prize - Second Track--Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Prize4Life
All Regions
11/06/2008
$1,000,000
Prize4Life announced its 2-year $1 million ALS/MND Biomarker Challenge on November 6, 2006.

The Prize4Life Biomarker Prize is divided into two tracks - theoretical findings and real outcomes.

The first track was a call for scientists and researchers from all backgrounds to submit theoretical papers on how they would develop a biomarker for ALS. In May 2007, Prize4Life awarded $15,000 for each of the five best ideas submitted . This track is now closed for submissions.

The second track, currently running, involves identifying an actual ALS biomarker. Anyone can submit a solution to the second track at any time, regardless of whether they participated in the first track.

A prize of up to $1,000,000 will be awarded in track two for the first validated ALS biomarker submitted that meets the desired requirements. Those submitting a solution must provide statistically significant results as proof of the validity of the solution. This challenge will end in November 2008 if a winning solution is not received so send in your solution now!!

A biomarker is a distinctive biological or biologically derived indicator that can mark the presence and/or progression of a disease. A biomarker can take the form of a chemical marker, a mechanical device that measures relevant physiological changes, or combination of the two. Currently, there are no known biomarkers for ALS for either diagnosing or measuring the progression of the disease.

Interested scientists and researchers should REGISTER with Prize4Life.

INNOCENTIVE 4470259
ALS Biomarker
POSTED: NOV 06, 2006
DEADLINE: NOV 06, 2008
$1,000,000 USD
Biochemist, Cell Biologist, Molecular Biologist , Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Physician Researcher
Movement Disorders Research Award
American Academy of Neurology
All Regions
11/03/2008
$1,500
Movement Disorders Research Award
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, and the AAN Movement Disorders Section and endowed by the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

This award recognizes an individual for outstanding work in the field of Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders for either a single outstanding contribution or for lifetime achievement.

Presentation
Recipient is expected to present a 20-minute lecture during a movement disorders scientific session at the 61st AAN Annual Meeting.

Recipient will receive:

Certificate of recognition and $1,500 prize
Complimentary registration for 61st Annual Meeting
Recognition at 2009 Awards Luncheon at 61st Annual Meeting
Eligibility
Must be actively engaged in movement disorders research

Application Procedure
Applicants should submit one complete set of the following materials:

Completed application form Note: Under general description, describe: How applicant’s scientific contributions have created a better understanding of Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders .
Current curriculum vitae

Deadline

The deadline to apply for 2009 AAN Scientific Awards is November 3, 2008. Applications will be available in August 2008.

For more information, please contact Erin Jackson at ejackson@aan.com or (651) 695-2704.
Distinguished Investigator, Distinguished Scholar, Distinguished Scientist, Established Investigator, Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Physician Researcher, Senior Investigator, Senior Researcher
Jon Stolk Award in Movement Disorders for Young Investigators
American Academy of Neurology
All Regions
11/03/2008
$1,000
Jon Stolk Award in Movement Disorders for Young Investigators
Sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology and endowed by Kyowa Pharmaceutical, Inc., Lineberry Research, Quintiles, Dr. Dennis Gillings, and VelaPharma.

This award recognizes young investigators who have made significant contributions to movement disorders research. The award is named for Dr. Jon Stolk, a driving force in the drug development field for Parkinson's Disease.

Presentation
Recipient is expected to present a 10-minute lecture during a movement disorders scientific session at the 61st AAN Annual Meeting.

Recipient will receive:

Certificate of recognition and $1,000 prize
Complimentary registration for 61st Annual Meeting
Recognition at 2009 Awards Luncheon at 61st Annual Meeting
Eligibility
Must be within 5 years of completing neurology residency

Application Procedure
Applicants should submit one complete set of the following materials:

Completed application form
Letter of recommendation
Maximum 500-word abstract on movement disorders research in which applicant played an important role (abstract will be ineligible for submission to the 2009 Scientific Program)

Deadline

The deadline to apply for 2009 AAN Scientific Awards is November 3, 2008. Applications will be available in August 2008.

For more information, please contact Kyle Krause at kkrause@aan.com or (651) 695-2733.
Junior Researcher, Junior Scientist, Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Physician Researcher, Young Investigator, Young Scientist
Sheila Essey Award - An Award for ALS Research
American Academy of Neurology/ ALS Association
All Regions
11/03/2008
$25,000
Sheila Essey Award - An Award for ALS Research
Presented by the AAN and the ALS Association and supported through the philanthropy of the Essey family and the ALS Association.

This award recognizes an individual who has made significant research contributions in the search for the cause, prevention of, and cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The criteria being used to determine the recipient include recent major scientific impact, long-term scientific impact, and overall impact to ALS.

Presentation
Recipient is expected to present a 20-minute lecture during an anterior horn scientific session at the 61st AAN Annual Meeting.

Recipient will receive:
Certificate of recognition and $25,000 prize to be used by recipient to continue ALS research
Complimentary registration for 61st Annual Meeting
Recognition at 2009 Awards Luncheon at 61st Annual Meeting
Eligibility
Must be actively engaged in ALS research

Application Procedure
Applicants should submit one complete set of the following materials:

Completed application form Note: Under general description: describe how scientific contributions have created a better understanding of ALS; why applicant should receive award; and why contributions represent a major advance or hold significance in ALS research in terms of identifying the cause, potential treatment, prevention, or cure.
Current curriculum vitae
Supporting information (not to exceed three pages), including:
Single page biography including previous positions and any awards or recognition received
One- to two-page listing of six to ten peer-reviewed journal references that support statements about contributions to ALS research (do not send reprints or a bibliography)

Deadline

The deadline to apply for 2009 AAN Scientific Awards is November 3, 2008. Applications will be available in August 2008.

For more information, please contact Naomi Soderbeck at nsoderbeck@aan.com or (651) 695-2814.
Distinguished Investigator, Distinguished Scholar, Distinguished Scientist, Established Investigator, Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Scientist, Senior Investigator, Senior Researcher
Research Grants--Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy
FSH Society
All Regions
12/31/2008
$0

The FSH Society, Inc. (the “Society”) sponsors research programs to meet needs of critical importance in the research of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy ("FSHD").

Each year, the Society will accept requests for research funding. All proposals are subject to peer review to identify the most meritorious and innovative to be funded.

The following programs are available to support research efforts:

A. Research Fellowships -- provide support for graduate student researchers at any stage of their research career.

B. Targeted Project Research Grants -- provide one-time support for research projects proposed by investigators at any stage of their independent research career.

C. Research Opportunity Grants -- provide rapid, one-time funding of novel ideas for finding a solution to urgent problems with immediate human benefit.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

There are no deadlines for the filing of fellowship and grant applications. Meritorious proposals are funded as resources and time permit at the sole and absolute discretion of the Society.

An applicant whose fellowship or grant application was rejected is encouraged to discuss with the Society the feasibility of a revised application. Revised applications will be reviewed in the same detail and compete on an equal basis with new applications.

Mailing Address
FSH Society, Inc.
BBRI R353
64 Grove Street
Watertown, MA 02472 USA

Telephone
(617) 658-7878 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

Doctoral Student, Graduate Student, Neurologist, Physician Researcher, Scientist
Grant requests
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
All Regions
11/01/2008
$0

Grant requests
For all grant requests other than the Brighter Tomorrow grant

The initial contact should be made by letter of inquiry stating the amount sought, purpose of the grant, and nature of the organization requesting the grant. Please include an e-mail address if available. The letter should be sent to:

The Grant Committee
c/o Managing Director
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
6350 North Andrews Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. 33309

If you are awarded a grant we do ask as a minimum that you provide us with semi-annual progress reports however additional criteria may apply depending on the amount and type of grant.

FUNDING CYCLE

All grant requests excluding the Brighter Tomorrow grant, must be received prior to November 1 of each year. If your request is funded, funding will occur prior to January 15 of the following year.

LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS

The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, at its sole discretion, has the right to limit, refuse or cancel any grants made. The awarding of grants is at the determination of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

Research Grants-Huntington's Disease
Hereditary Disease Foundation
All Regions
10/15/2008
$50,000
Research grants

The focus of the Hereditary Disease Foundation is on Huntington's disease. Support will be for research projects that will contribute to identifying and understanding the basic defect in Huntington's disease. Areas of interest include trinucleotide expansions, animal models, gene therapy, neurobiology and development of the basal ganglia, cell survival and death, and intercellular signaling in striatal neurons.

Anyone accepting funding from the Hereditary Disease Foundation must agree to abide by the following policy: Propagatable materials (including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant DNAs) should be freely available to other investigators following publication. The Foundation's position is that there be no restrictions or proprietary rights in materials produced with our support.

Deadlines for applications are February 15, June 15 and October 15. Applications will be reviewed in May, September and January. To obtain an application, please submit a letter of intent no more than one page long. It may be submitted at any time to following address,

Hereditary Disease Foundation
Attn: Carl D. Johnson, PhD
3960 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10032
USA

The maximum award for research grants is $50,000. Grants are usually for one year with a possibility of renewal. Grants are considered seed money. If the project shows promise, it is hoped that other institutions will fund it thereafter. The Foundation does not generally include the salary of the principle investigator. Indirect costs are not allowed, but fringe benefits are considered part of personnel costs and are allowed.

Grant applications should be submitted by email and five hard copies. Supplemental material and reprints should be submitted with a file type of PDF(.pdf).

Applicants are notified of funding decisions by letter only.

To apply:

· Submit a letter of intent: There is no deadline – submit anytime, electronically using the form on the Foundation’s website:
http://www.hdfoundation.org/funding/intent.php.

The letter of intent should include:

o Contact information

o A summary of your proposed research project – 500 words or less

· Letter of Intent Review: Letters of intent are reviewed by a triage group. Turn-around is usually less than two weeks and the primary consideration is relevance to finding treatments and cures for Huntington’s disease. If a proposal is accepted, an application form for a full proposal is sent to the applicant by email. Applicants are encouraged to interact by email or phone with Carl Johnson, Ph.D., the Executive Director for Science, while preparing their application

Applications require:

· Administrative contact: Name, title, email address, phone & fax numbers and mailing address of the institutional representative who will manage the project. The application must be approved and signed by the institution.

· Project summary: Not to exceed 200 words.

· Budget (for Grants only): Grant funding is limited to $50,000. Except in unusual circumstances, salary support is not provided for the Principal Investigator. The Foundation does not provide funds for indirect costs or overhead. Postdoctoral Fellowship salaries are determined by the Foundation, based on number of years after receipt of a doctoral degree. Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards include $8,000 for supplies.

· Other current and pending support: Please provide a complete list (NIH format) indicating aims of each project and potential overlap with the current proposal.

· Biographical sketch: Attach a two-page biographical sketch (NIH format) for the Principal Investigator and other professional personnel. Include training, experience, recent publications and patent filings. Any supplemental materials, manuscripts or papers should be submitted electronically in PDF format.

· Protection of Human Subjects: Any study using human subjects must be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the applicant institution. Please attach the completed “Protection of Human Subjects Assurance/Certification/Declaration” form.

· Protection of Animal Subjects: The transportation, care, and use of animals must be in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2131 et. seq.) and other applicable Federal laws, guidelines, and policies.

· Study Proposal: Not to exceed 10 pages, including references. There is no need for an extensive, NIH style, introduction, but be sure to include a description of critical details of the proposed plan as well as documentation of research experience. Particular attention should be paid to the aims and anticipated outcomes of the study and on how they will help discover or develop treatments for Huntington’s disease.

Application Review:

Applications are reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Board of the Hereditary Disease Foundation. The SAB meets three times each year: in January, May and October. Applications received at least six weeks prior to the meeting are considered. Applicants will receive written notification of the funding decision shortly after the review meeting.

Award Payment:

If the application is approved for funding, payment will be made in two equal installments. Awardees must arrange, via email or in writing, activation of the Award. The first payment is sent immediately; the second will be made six months later, upon receipt of a progress report via email. A final report including a financial statement is also required.

Please submit completed applications both by email and five hard copies to:

Hereditary Disease Foundation
Attn: Carl D. Johnson, Ph.D.
Executive Director for Science
3960 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10032
Cell Biologist, Molecular Biologist , Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Physician Researcher
John J. Wasmuth Postdoctoral Fellowships
Hereditary Disease Foundation
All Regions
10/15/2008
$64,000
John J. Wasmuth Postdoctoral Fellowships

The John J. Wasmuth postdoctoral fellowships are named in honor of the late John Jacob Wasmuth who was an essential member of the Huntington's Disease Collaborative Research Group and a long-term and valued member of our Scientific Advisory Board. John was a superb mentor. It is our hope that those granted fellowships bearing his name will seek the same level of creativity, imagination, rigor and esprit de corps that characterized John.

The Hereditary Disease Foundation offers support for research projects that will contribute to identifying and understanding the basic defect of Huntington's disease. Areas of interest include trinucleotide expansions, animal models, gene therapy, neurobiology and development of the basal ganglia, cell survival and death, and intercellular signaling in striatal neurons.

Anyone accepting funding from the Hereditary Disease Foundation must agree to abide by the following policy: Propagatable materials (including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant DNAs) should be freely available to other investigators following publication. The Foundation's position is that there be no restrictions or proprietary rights in materials produced with our support.

Deadlines for applications are February 15, June 15 and October 15. Applications will be reviewed in May, September and January. All John Wasmuth Fellowships are automatically considered in January of every year for the Milton Wexler Fellowship award.

To obtain an application, please submit a letter of intent no more than one page long. It may be submitted at any time to the following address,

Hereditary Disease Foundation
Attn: Carl D. Johnson, PhD
3960 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10032
USA

John J. Wasmuth Postdoctoral Fellowship awards are based on the following scale which includes all university fringe benefits plus $8,000 for supplies:

0 years since Ph.D. = Stipend of $40,500

1 year since Ph.D. = Stipend of $43,000

2 years since Ph.D. = Stipend of $46,000

3 years since Ph.D. = Stipend of $48,200

4 years since Ph.D. = Stipend of $50,200

5 years since Ph.D. = Stipend of $52,400

6 years since Ph.D. = Stipend of $54,500

7 years since Ph.D. = Stipend of $56,000
Indirect costs are not allowed, but fringe benefits are considered part of personnel costs and are permitted.

Funded fellowships will be renewed for a second year, subject to satisfactory progress reports.

The completed application packet will consist of the application, the curriculum vitae of the applicant and the applicant’s research sponsor, a letter of support from the sponsor, and two letters of recommendation from two others familiar with the applicant, one of whom is normally the applicant’s PhD. sponsor.

Note: Completed applications should be submitted by email and five (5) hardcopies. Supplemental material and reprints should be submitted with a file type of PDF (.pdf).

Applicants are notified of funding decisions by letter only.

A list of previous Postdoctoral Fellows is available on request.

Hereditary Disease Foundation
3960 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10032
Voice: (212) 928-2121
Fax: (212) 928-2172

http://www.hdfoundation.org

Please feel free to contact the Hereditary Disease Foundation by phone at
1 (212) 928-2121 with questions or comments regarding the application process
Cell Biologist, Molecular Biologist , Neurologist, Neuroscientist, Scientist, Physician Researcher

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