Neurophysiology Grants

Basic Psychological Science Research Grant

APAGS is committed to promoting psychological science and the needs of science oriented graduate students. The Basic Psychological Science Research Grant provides support for up to 4 graduate students conducting psychological science research studies.

Deadline: December 3, 2010; May 13, 2011

Sponsor: APAGS

The intent is to fund psychology graduate students in science oriented fields. Students in fields with a practice component (e.g. clinical, counseling, and school) are not eligible. Students in the following fields are eligible: Cognitive, Cognitive Neuroscience, Computational, Developmental, Experimental or Comparative, Industrial/Organizational, Neuropsychology, Neuroscience, Perception and Psychophysics, Personality and Individual Differences, Psycholinguistics, Physiological, Quantitative, Social.

Funds for this $1000 scholarship must be used to support the proposed research. This grant may be used for thesis, dissertation, or other research.

Required materials:

Title page that includes name of the scholarship for which you are applying, contact information for applicant (name, mailing address, phone number, email), university, area of research, expected graduation date, APA Membership number, and full name/email of your research mentor for your project.
A cover letter (not to exceed two pages, single spaced) that includes background information about the applicant, the dissertation, why the applicant believes s/he should be awarded the scholarship (e.g. relevance of the project to the grant), and the applicant’s future educational and professional goals.
An abbreviated curriculum vitae (not to exceed two pages, single spaced).
An abbreviated research proposal (not to exceed three pages, single spaced) that includes specific aims, background and significance, proposed research methodology, implications of proposed research, and detailed budget.
Letter of recommendation (not to exceed two pages, single spaced) supporting your application that addresses your qualifications, how your project will benefit the discipline, and the likelihood that your research will help you meet your future educational and professional goals.
All materials must be submitted for an application to be considered. Any applications that exceed the page limits (e.g. over two pages in a vita, over 3 pages in a proposal, over two pages for a letter of recommendation) will not be scored.

If you are not an APAGS member at the time of submission, you may send a copy of the receipt you get when you join APAGS/APA electronically as proof of membership.

You may submit materials electronically or by mail.

For mail submissions, please send to:

Basic Psychological Science Research Grant
American Psychological Association of Graduate Students
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242

Call for Proposals: Interstitial Cystitis Association Pilot Research Program

Due Date September 30, 2010

The ICA Pilot Research Program began in 1985 and remains the first and only IC-dedicated research program funded by a non-profit, patient association. To date, the ICA Pilot Research Program has funded over 70 projects, totaling more than $1 million. Donations for this research program are collected through the IMAGINE NO IC campaign.

Often scientists with novel IC research proposals are unable to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) because they lack the preliminary data required for NIH grant approval. That’s where the ICA Pilot Research Program comes in—we provide researchers with the initial grant monies needed to get their projects literally "off the ground." The ICA Pilot Research Program, funded largely by ICA patient contributions, has "opened the door" for many researchers and enabled them to obtain large government grants to further pursue their explorations into the causes and treatments of IC.

Research areas of interest:

State of the science conference: Convene experts to examine and document the state of current research on IC; identify pending research questions; develop a roadmap for finding the cause of IC; draft proposed paths for obtaining answers to looming questions; and provide a list individuals most qualified to help discover answers. In addition to a written report, a graphical model charting progress and gaps is required. For example, see www.acceleratedcure.org for a model being used in multiple sclerosis to vet promising research efforts and organize findings from multiple research teams to create a bigger picture of what the findings mean and what direction those results indicate should be taken.

Epidemiology of the disease: Special interest in studies on the burden of disease
Etiology of interstitial cystitis
Serum or urine markers
Potential IC treatment modalities
Neurophysiology
Pain management
Pregnancy and IC

There are no standardized application forms to fill out. To apply submit two (2) PDFs including:

PDF #1: Proposal (we urge you to keep your proposal as concise as possible)
Cover sheet listing the researcher’s full contact address (name, academic degree, full address with zip, phone and fax numbers, and e-mail address for principal investigator)
Title of proposed project and abstract
Research hypothesis or conference theme
Proposed methodology or conference proposed conference logistics
Estimated time required to complete project (one year maximum)
Short-version curriculum vitae of principal researchers
List of funding sources for current research projects, including those ongoing or completed in the last 3 years
List of other grants expected in the near future, with funding sources and titles
Detailed budget (The use of award funds is restricted to research based on the purposes and methodology outlined in the application. No funds may be used toward administrative overhead costs.)

PDF #2: Relevant articles
Provide no more than three (3) articles recently published in the peer-reviewed literature.

Submit the PDFs in one email to research@ichelp.org no later than September 30, 2010. The date stamp of the email will determine timeliness of submission. An email will be sent acknowledging receipt of your proposal. Review is tentatively scheduled for six to eight weeks following receipt of proposals.

Scientific Advisory Board
A committee comprised of members of the ICA Medical Advisory Board reviews all grant applications. Board members of this ad hoc Grant Review Committee are selected based on the pool of applications received and area of expertise.

Process for Determination of Funding
Grant Review Committee members evaluate applications independently and submit their evaluation and feedback. The committee then meets as a whole and discusses all proposals weighing scientific merit, potential advancement for the field, relevance for those affected by IC, quality of the application, and costs.

Grants are classified into three groups: Yes, No, Maybe (pending resubmission of grant). Applicants of grants classified as “Maybe” are asked to address limitations of their application and offered the opportunity to resubmit with a revised cost proposal. All resubmitted applications are reviewed by the grant committee and reclassified as Yes or No decisions.

Award Decisions
All applicants will be informed by email regarding grant decisions.

An initial payment of 50% of the total grant is made upon award. Upon receipt, review and approval of the final report by the review committee, a check for the remaining 50% of the grant is issued. Failure to complete the project and submit the final report within one year of receipt of initial payment will require that you repay the full amount initially received.

Post-award Requirements: Scientific, Lay and Budget Reports
Three reports are due no later than one year from the date of the initial payment:

Final Scientific Report: A final report outlining the results of the project is required. Researchers are also required to credit the ICA for support of the research where appropriate and participate in scientific and patient meetings to discuss the research if requested and whenever possible.
Lay Report: A short, one paragraph description of the salient findings in plain language (6 to 8th grade reading level) is also required for posting on the ICA website and distribution to the donors who made this award possible.
Budget Report: An accounting for use of all funds. Awardees are required to return unused funds.

Final Payment
After scientific and cost review of three final reports, final payment will be made.

Researchers who receive a larger grant (such as one from the NIH) to fund the same type of research described in the proposal to the ICA, are required to inform the ICA of this news and agree to waive the final payment of the grant. In that event, researchers are required to provide the ICA with a report on the part of the research funded by the ICA.

If you have any further questions, please contact the ICA at research@ichelp.org.

Interstitial Cystitis Association
100 Park Avenue, Suite 108-A, Rockville, MD 20850
icamail@ichelp.org

John Merck Scholars Program: Biology of Developmental Disabilities in Children

The John Merck Fund has had a longstanding interest in children with cognitive and emotional disorders. The Fund supports the most promising basic research into the processes that impair the lives of the developmentally disabled, focusing on investigations by neurobiologists and by cognitive scientists of the underlying causes of developmental disabilities. The Fund hopes to foster a better scientific understanding of the origin of these disabilities and thereby provide the foundation for more effective approaches to their prevention and treatment.

The Fund inaugurated the annual John Merck Scholars Program in 1990 to award four-year fellowships to three scientists at academic institutions throughout the United States. The program is intended to serve as a major stimulus for gifted young scientists to conduct research relevant to the problems of children with cognitive and emotional disabilities.

Research Areas

JMF has in the past funded and will continue to fund the most promising young researchers whose work illuminates neurodevelopmental disorders from the perspectives of (i) synapse formation and synaptic plasticity; (ii) learning and memory, and synaptic plasticity; (iii) perception, cognition and behavior; (iv) neurogenesis and pattern formation; and (v) genetics and early development. We also encourage proposals that (i) investigate the possible role of environmental chemicals in the origins of developmental disabilities, or that (ii) aim to distinguish subgroups within accepted diagnostic categories through the use of sophisticated behavioral and neuroimaging tests of perception, cognition, and emotions based on concepts from modern cognitive neuroscience. In all cases, we seek proposals from young scientists conducting research that is of the highest quality and that has the greatest chance of increasing our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the following:

* Academic rank in a university or medical school, or equivalent standing in a research institute or medical center. If the institution offers tenure, must be on a tenure track.
* Not more than four years of experience in an independent faculty position at the time of the start of the award.
* A record of research in areas relating to the Fund’s interest in the underlying causes of developmental disabilities.
* Evidence of a commitment to a career in neuroscience or cognitive science.

Applicants may not:

* Hold tenured positions or their equivalents.
* Apply in more than two rounds of competition.
* Apply for continued postdoctoral support.

Scholarships and Restrictions

Three scholars will receive $75,000 per year for a four-year period, subject to an annual review of research progress. The sponsoring institution is responsible for fiscal management. The award is for the exclusive use of the Scholar and may not be used for institutional or departmental support. Payments will be made to the Scholar’s institution with the understanding that the total amount of the award will be used only by the John Merck Scholar and will be transferred should the Scholar change institutions. At the Scholar’s discretion, up to 25 percent of the award may be used for his or her summer salary support, including, when necessary, fringe benefits. The balance may be expended for research assistants, equipment, or other purposes that promote the Scholar’s scientific activities.

Note: Holding other fellowships concurrently with the John Merck Scholars Award is discouraged. Prior approval by the Fund for an overlapping fellowship is required and will be given only in unusual circumstances.

Proposal Submission

The John Merck Scholars Program competition now accepts applications through a two-part, open process. Applicants no longer need to be nominated by an institution, and an unlimited number can apply. JMF will only accept proposals from applicants who demonstrate a strong background in Neuroscience or Cognitive Science.

Each applicant must submit a two-page description of their research activities and plans for the future, and their NIH biosketch. In the description, describe the proposed research program; how the candidate believes the work to be supported will improve the lives of children with co-occurring cognitive and emotional disorders; and the candidate’s background, plans, and aspirations. The description is not to exceed 2 pages, in 11-point type, with 1-inch margins, and may be sent along with the NIH biosketch via email as a Word or PDF document by Thursday, September 30, 2010, to nstockford@jmfund.org; the subject heading of the email should read: “John Merck Scholars Preliminary Proposal.”

A distinguished panel of experts will review all the two-page descriptions and a limited number of full proposals will be invited.

Review and Notification Procedures

* All preliminary proposals must arrive no later than September 30, 2010. Incomplete or late proposals will not be considered.
* By November 15 the panel will select a limited number of applicants to submit full-length proposals. Candidates being invited to submit full proposals will be notified via email.
* Full proposals will be due by January 18, 2011. Application guidelines will be provided to those invited to submit full proposals.
* By March 21 the panel, from the pool of full-length proposals, will select six applicants to be interviewed in Boston in April or May 2011. The Fund will reimburse these applicants for the travel expenses required for the interview.
* The panel will make its final selections, subject to approval by the Fund’s Board of Trustees, and notify winners within two weeks of the interviews .

Applicants who are not accepted will be notified within several weeks of the close of each deadline.

For more information, contact Nancy Stockford, The John Merck Scholars Program, The John Merck Fund, 2 Oliver Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109; nstockford@jmfund.org; telephone: (617) 556-4120.

John Dystel Prize For Multiple Sclerosis Research

In conjunction with the American Academy of Neurology, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society established the John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research in 1994 for the purpose of recognizing outstanding contributions to research in the understanding, treatment or prevention of multiple sclerosis. This annual prize is funded through the John Dystel Multiple Sclerosis Research Fund at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

All investigators who are actively engaged in fundamental or clinical research related to multiple sclerosis are eligible for nomination for this prize. The annual award will be made in the amount of $15,000, to be used at the discretion of the winner. The selection of the prize winner will be in the hands of a special joint committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Academy of Neurology. The award will be presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, during an MS research symposium which will include a presentation by the winner on his/her research. Full recognition of the award will be made in Society publications and to the media.

All nomination materials must be submitted by November 1, annually. The Prize winner will be notified by February 1, annually. Further information is available from the Research and Clinical Programs Department of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or from the "John Dystel Prize Subcommittee" at the American Academy of Neurology, 1080 Montreal Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55116, (800) 879-1960 or (651) 695-1940.

Muscular Dystrophy Association Research Grants Programs

MDA supports research aimed at developing treatments for the muscular dystrophies and related diseases of the neuromuscular system. These are the muscular dystrophies (among which are Duchenne and Becker); motor neuron diseases (including ALS and SMA); the peripheral nerve disorders (CMT and Friedreich's ataxia); inflammatory myopathies; disorders of the neuromuscular junction; metabolic diseases of muscle as well as other myopathies.

RESEARCH GRANT

To be eligible to apply for an MDA research grant, an applicant must:

1. Hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) or equivalent degree (i.e. D.O.);
2. Be a professional or faculty member (Professor, Associate Professor or Assistant Professor) at an appropriate educational, medical or research institution;
3. Be qualified to conduct and mentor a program of original research within their own laboratory;
4. Assume both administrative and financial responsibility for the grant; and
5. Have access to institutional resources necessary to conduct the proposed research project.

Proposals from applicants outside the United States will be considered for projects of highest priority to MDA and when, in addition to the applicant's having met the requirements noted above the applicant's country of residence may not have adequate sources of financial support for biomedical research.

NOTE: To apply for a Research Grant, you must be an independent investigator, i.e., not a trainee, not a post-doctoral fellow, not a research assistant, not a research associate and not under the supervision of another person (Principal Investigator/Independent Investigator) who is directing the research.

DEVELOPMENT GRANT

MDA will consider an application for a research grant from a candidate who may be a member of a research team in the laboratory of an independent investigator (Principal Investigator) under whose guidance the applicant will be given flexibility to conduct a neuromuscular disease research project.

To be eligible for a Development Grant, an applicant must:

1. Hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) or equivalent degree (i.e. D.O.);
2. Be a member of a research team at an appropriate institution;
3. Be qualified to conduct a program of original research under the supervision of a Principal Investigator;
4. Have an acceptable research plan for a specific disease in MDA's program;
5. Have access to institutional resources necessary to conduct the proposed research project; and
6. Have eighteen (18) months of post-doctoral research laboratory training at the time of application, but no more than 5 years (60 months).

TENURE

Awards are for either one, two or three years for all grant types.

AWARDS

Funding levels for primary Research Grants are unlimited. Development grants are a maximum of $60,000 per year. Overhead is limited to a maximum of 10% percent of direct costs to be included in the total amount of the grant request.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A pre-proposal form must be submitted through proposalCENTRAL® to formally request an application for an MDA research grant. Requests for applications can be submitted anytime prior to the applicable deadline date.

Applications are not open to institutions for general distribution.

Only two grant review rounds are held each year.
Only one "letter of intent" is permitted per grant review round.

Deadline dates

Spring Review Letter of Intent: December 15

Fall Review Letter of Intent: June 15

Muscular Dystrophy Association
Grants Manager - Research Department
3300 E. Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718
(520) 529-2000
(520) 529-5454 (fax)
grants@mdausa.org

Muscular Dystrophy Association Research Grants Programs

MDA supports research aimed at developing treatments for the muscular dystrophies and related diseases of the neuromuscular system. These are the muscular dystrophies (among which are Duchenne and Becker); motor neuron diseases (including ALS and SMA); the peripheral nerve disorders (CMT and Friedreich's ataxia); inflammatory myopathies; disorders of the neuromuscular junction; metabolic diseases of muscle as well as other myopathies.

RESEARCH GRANT

To be eligible to apply for an MDA research grant, an applicant must:

1. Hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) or equivalent degree (i.e. D.O.);
2. Be a professional or faculty member (Professor, Associate Professor or Assistant Professor) at an appropriate educational, medical or research institution;
3. Be qualified to conduct and mentor a program of original research within their own laboratory;
4. Assume both administrative and financial responsibility for the grant; and
5. Have access to institutional resources necessary to conduct the proposed research project.

Proposals from applicants outside the United States will be considered for projects of highest priority to MDA and when, in addition to the applicant's having met the requirements noted above the applicant's country of residence may not have adequate sources of financial support for biomedical research.

NOTE: To apply for a Research Grant, you must be an independent investigator, i.e., not a trainee, not a post-doctoral fellow, not a research assistant, not a research associate and not under the supervision of another person (Principal Investigator/Independent Investigator) who is directing the research.

DEVELOPMENT GRANT

MDA will consider an application for a research grant from a candidate who may be a member of a research team in the laboratory of an independent investigator (Principal Investigator) under whose guidance the applicant will be given flexibility to conduct a neuromuscular disease research project.

To be eligible for a Development Grant, an applicant must:

1. Hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) or equivalent degree (i.e. D.O.);
2. Be a member of a research team at an appropriate institution;
3. Be qualified to conduct a program of original research under the supervision of a Principal Investigator;
4. Have an acceptable research plan for a specific disease in MDA's program;
5. Have access to institutional resources necessary to conduct the proposed research project; and
6. Have eighteen (18) months of post-doctoral research laboratory training at the time of application, but no more than 5 years (60 months).

TENURE

Awards are for either one, two or three years for all grant types.

AWARDS

Funding levels for primary Research Grants are unlimited. Development grants are a maximum of $60,000 per year. Overhead is limited to a maximum of 10% percent of direct costs to be included in the total amount of the grant request.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

A pre-proposal form must be submitted through proposalCENTRAL® to formally request an application for an MDA research grant. Requests for applications can be submitted anytime prior to the applicable deadline date.

Applications are not open to institutions for general distribution.

Only two grant review rounds are held each year.
Only one "letter of intent" is permitted per grant review round.

Deadline dates

Spring Review Letter of Intent: December 15

Fall Review Letter of Intent: June 15

Muscular Dystrophy Association
Grants Manager - Research Department
3300 E. Sunrise Drive
Tucson, AZ 85718
(520) 529-2000
(520) 529-5454 (fax)
grants@mdausa.org

Conference Student Scholarships: Genetics, Immunology and Repair in Multiple Sclerosis

Scholarship Deadline: October 18, 2010 (Midnight US Mountain Standard Time)

Although the specific etiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains unknown, important insights into the genetics and environmental triggers underlying the disease have been made. This conference will discuss advances in MS genetics, epigenetics and the interaction of genetics with the environment, particularly with vitamin D metabolism and Epstein Barr Virus. There will be a focus on the immunopathogenesis of MS, including pre-active MS lesions, mechanisms of lymphocyte activation, the B cell and trafficking of cells across the blood brain barrier. The application of new imaging methods and therapeutic strategies that target the immune system and promote remyelination will be discussed. The challenge of integrating emerging insights in the basic mechanisms of myelination, autoimmune demyelination, and neurodegeneration with translational science will he discussed. The goal of this meeting is to provide a broad spectrum of MS researchers with a forum to discuss recent advances, and to foster cross-disciplinary interactions and collaborations.

Keystone Symposia is offering scholarships to students and post-docs this conference season. These scholarships, of up to $1000 each, are to be used to help defray the expenses associated with conference attendance, including air (on a U.S. air carrier), ground transportation and lodging costs. Receipts will be required to receive reimbursement.

Abstracts submitted for poster presentation will be used as the basis for awarding the scholarships. Conference organizers will select the scholarship recipients based on the quality of science of the abstract and the relevance of the abstract to the conference topic. Only one application per abstract is accepted.

Keystone Symposia
221 Summit Place #272
PO Box 1630
Silverthorne, CO 80498
www.keystonesymposia.org

Financial Assistance / Student Scholarships
Phone: +1 (800) 253-0685 or
Ksenia Shambarger - +1 (970) 262-1230 extension 140
Fax: +1 (970) 262-0311

Conference Student Scholarships: Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Molecular and Cellular Basis for Neurodegeneration

Scholarship Deadline: October 20, 2010 (Midnight US Mountain Standard Time)

Neurodegenerative diseases are chronic age-dependent progressive disorders that are substantial and growing health problems, which exert a tremendous toll on the patient, family, health system and society as a whole. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to identify therapies that slow and/or reverse the progression of these disorders. Research in neurodegenerative disorders is providing tremendous advances in the molecular understanding of these disorders. New insights in cell biology, biochemistry, genomics and proteomics into these illnesses are leading to mechanism based therapies and new tools and biomarkers to study disease progression and therapeutic efficacy. In this meeting an emphasis will be placed on understanding new molecular and common mechanisms of disease in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), triple repeat diseases, frontotemporal lobar dementia and others.

Keystone Symposia is offering scholarships to students and post-docs this conference season. These scholarships, of up to $1000 each, are to be used to help defray the expenses associated with conference attendance, including air (on a U.S. air carrier), ground transportation and lodging costs. Receipts will be required to receive reimbursement.

Abstracts submitted for poster presentation will be used as the basis for awarding the scholarships. Conference organizers will select the scholarship recipients based on the quality of science of the abstract and the relevance of the abstract to the conference topic. Only one application per abstract is accepted.

Keystone Symposia
221 Summit Place #272
PO Box 1630
Silverthorne, CO 80498
www.keystonesymposia.org

Financial Assistance / Student Scholarships
Phone: +1 (800) 253-0685 or
Ksenia Shambarger - +1 (970) 262-1230 extension 140
Fax: +1 (970) 262-0311

Conference Student Scholarships: Adult Neurogenesis

Scholarship Deadline: September 16, 2010 (Midnight US Mountain Standard Time)

The ability to generate new neurons in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus provides the adult mammalian brain an important level of plasticity for maintaining cellular homeostasis under physiological conditions, and potentially underlies an injury response under pathological contexts. Yet a full understanding of the neural stem cell niche, basic molecular mechanisms that ultimately dictate the fate of neural stem/progenitor cells, and intrinsic properties that guide the functional integration of newborn neurons in the existing circuitry is still in its infancy. The goal of this Keystone symposium is, by presenting novel mechanistic insights into the regulation and functional implications of adult neurogenesis, both the speakers and audience will gain further understanding, initiate extensive discussion, and promote scientific collaboration regarding the control of self-renewal, survival, and fate specification of neural stem cells in the adult mammalian brain.

Keystone Symposia is offering scholarships to students and post-docs this conference season. These scholarships, of up to $1000 each, are to be used to help defray the expenses associated with conference attendance, including air (on a U.S. air carrier), ground transportation and lodging costs. Receipts will be required to receive reimbursement.

Abstracts submitted for poster presentation will be used as the basis for awarding the scholarships. Conference organizers will select the scholarship recipients based on the quality of science of the abstract and the relevance of the abstract to the conference topic. Only one application per abstract is accepted.

Keystone Symposia
221 Summit Place #272
PO Box 1630
Silverthorne, CO 80498
www.keystonesymposia.org

Financial Assistance / Student Scholarships
Phone: +1 (800) 253-0685 or
Ksenia Shambarger - +1 (970) 262-1230 extension 140
Fax: +1 (970) 262-0311