IRSF Requests Research Grants

IRSF REQUESTS RESEARCH GRANTS & POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS TO INVESTIGATE THE NEUROBIOLOGY OF RETT SYNDROME

Deadline for the Letter of Intent: February 15, 2010 The International Rett Syndrome Foundation, (IRSF), announces the availability of research grants and post-doctoral fellowships for international biomedical research to promote the understanding of MeCP2 in the pathogenesis of the neurobehavioral phenotype of Rett syndrome (RTT). We seek to gain a better understanding of the underlying pathology of the disorder leading to an amelioration of the symptoms and a cure for RTT. IRSF seeks to encourage research that encompasses innovative therapeutic approaches and state of the art diagnostic techniques.

IRSF encourages applications for research projects within the following emphasis areas:

Understanding the role of MeCP2 during normal brain development.
Characterizing the role of MeCP2, including MeCP2 target genes, in normal structure and function of the developing and adult nervous system.
Determination of the relationship between patterns of expression of MeCP2 and related proteins in the nervous system and the neurologic and behavioral phenotypes of patients with RTT and/or related animal models.
The investigation of neuronal abnormalities that result from MeCP2 dysfunction.
The development of novel assays and the testing of innovative therapeutic approaches to treat or reverse RTT.

Considering the interdisciplinary nature of such projects, collaborative studies between geneticists, molecular biologists, neuroscientists, child neurologists, investigators in drug discovery and other clinical or basic investigators are encouraged to apply. As are collaborative teams working together from different institutions, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry professionals.

The maximum funding level for research grants is $50,000 per year for up to two years. Grants are made for technical support, supplies, equipment and relevant travel. Indirect costs of up to 10% of direct costs may be included. Proposals for less than the maximum amount are encouraged. Funding for the second year is non-competitive but is based on review of the first year’s progress report. Please Note: Academic Investigators must hold a faculty position to be eligible.

The two-year post-doctoral fellowships of $50,000 per year are designed to assist post-doctoral investigators establish careers in fields relevant to Rett Syndrome research.

Please note: Investigators with “Research Associate” as their title are eligible to apply for post-doctoral fellowships only.

Before a full application can be submitted, the investigator must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) describing the project in a succinct manner (1-2 pages). The LOI should include objectives and specific aims of the proposal, preliminary data, design methods, and qualifications of the candidate and mentor.

Timeline:
Due date for LOIs: Monday, February 15, 2010
Invitation of full applications by: Monday, March 1, 2010
Due date for full applications: Monday, April 26, 2010

Submit Letter of Intent

For questions concerning the application process, please contact:
Jim Keller, Grants & Research Manager - This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | 917-267-4504

For questions related to the science of your proposal, please contact:
Antony Horton, PhD, CSO – This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | 917-267-4502