Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Research Grant Program
Through its annual research program, the RLS Foundation honors promising scientists whose work addresses the goals of the Foundation. The RLS Foundation encourages grant applications for basic and clinical research studies of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Basic science leading to a better understanding of RLS, innovative approaches, interdisciplinary studies, and support of promising postdoctoral candidates is given funding priority.
The RLS Foundation encourages grant applications for basic and clinical research studies of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Areas in need of further research include, but are not limited to:
Epidemiology: Ascertain the prevalence and incidence of RLS, including:
Percentage of seriously affected individuals
Racial, gender, or geographic variations
Percentage of genetic versus other causes
Age of onset
Degree of association with comorbidities (such as ESRD, pregnancy, lumbosacral disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ADHD)
Neurophysiology
Identify neurophysiologic correlates in individuals with RLS and periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), those with RLS and no PLMD, and those with PLMD and no RLS
Investigate the sensorimotor physiology associated with RLS symptoms
Dopamine: Investigate the dopaminergic regulation of movement and determine the receptors most associated with RLS
Genetics: Develop strategies for identifying the genes responsible for RLS
Iron: Examine the role of iron metabolism in RLS
Treatment models: Evaluate drug effects on RLS in vitro, using an animal model, or with advanced technology (i.e., MRI, PET scan)
Circadian rhythm: Identify, quantify, and correlate the role of circadian rhythms in RLS
Postdoctoral candidates: Support of the work of promising postdoctoral candidates or fellows working under the direction of established investigators on topics of potential relevance to RLS
Application Process: Initial contact should be through a letter of intent, containing the following: a one-page abstract of the proposed project, including its clearly stated relevance in addressing one or both of the RLS Foundation’s goals of finding a cure and developing effective treatments; a copy of the principal investigator’s NIH-style bio-bibliography; and a tentative budget as well as a list of other sources of funding.
Basic science leading to a better understanding of RLS, innovative approaches, interdisciplinary studies, and support of promising postdoctoral candidates will be given priority.
The Foundation will fund three to five grants of $20,000 to $35,000 each for one year with a potential for renewal of support for an additional year. The Foundation will not fund indirect costs. Payments will be made directly to the principal investigator’s institution.
The RLS Foundation
Contact us
LEGAL NAME: Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, Inc
ADDRESS: 1610 14th St NW Suite 300 / Rochester, MN 55901
PHONE: 507-287-6465
INFO LINE: 877-INFO RLS
FAX: 507-287-6312
EMAIL: rlsfoundation@rls.org
WEBSITE: www.rls.org
TAX STATUS: 501 (c)(3)
