Funding for Research Available--Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome

FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AVAILABLE

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is a multi-system autosomal-recessive disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, and varying degrees of marrow dysfunction with cytopenias. Many associated clinical problems have also been described, including skeletal anomalies, metaphyseal dysostosis, rib abnormalities, cleft palate, dental abnormalities and others. Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome Foundation (SDSF) is a nonprofit support organization actively helping the victims of this disease. SDSF is accepting grant requests for research relevant to this disease. Any high quality, innovative research proposal deemed relevant to SDS will be considered. The following are areas of particular interest:

Identify gene mutations of SBDS gene
Collect centralized data on bone marrow abnormalities
Evaluate predictors of bone marrow abnormalities to determine their correlation with the disease
Determine the causes of bone marrow failure and leukemia
Further delineate the pathogenesis of pancreatic disease
Determine if differences in disease complications occur dependent on persistent vs. cylic neutropenia
Investigations related to adult patient presentation, management, and care including transition from
pediatric-centered to adult care

Eligibility: Persons applying for these grants must be in a faculty position with authority to hold an independent research grant (not a training position).

Letter of Intent: The potential applicant should write a one page letter of intent to the SDSF, indicating the applicant’s position and affiliation, describing their planned project, and explaining its relevance to Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. These letters are reviewed by SDSF’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board (MSAB) grant review process.

Purpose: This letter will be used to identify applicants who will be asked to provide a full application.

Dates: The letter is due no later than January 31st. There will be a response to all those who have written a Letter of Intent by February 28th. All Grant Applications must be submitted by April 12. The final grant decision will be announced by July 31st with a November 1 start date.

Terms of Support: Support may be provided for up to two (2) years in an amount not to exceed $30,000 per year. The second year funding will not be released until a Progress Report has been reviewed and approved by the MSAB. The date for the Progress Report is October 1. Applicants may submit only one grant at a time, and may hold only one grant at a time.

If you would like us to send you a grant application, have any questions regarding the grant process or have an interest in the disease, please contact SDSF at the address indicated on our home page, call toll free 1-877-737-4685, by fax at 1-970-255-8293 or via email at 4sskids@shwachman-diamond.org