Grant Opportunities

Introduction

The International Rett Syndrome Foundation’s (IRSF) grant awards are meant to provide seed money for research that encompasses innovative therapeutic approaches and cutting-edge diagnostic techniques that will lead to follow-on funding.

IRSF encourages applications within the following emphasis areas:

Regular Grant Program

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
Development of assistive technologies to improve the quality of life of individuals affected by RTT
Support for advances in physical therapy, communication and education

Translational Research Program

Design, synthesis and testing of potential disease modifying therapeutics to treat or reverse RTT
Testing of existing therapeutics both in vitro and in vivo to repurpose their use in RTT
Development and/or validation of in vitro and in vivo models of RTT for therapeutic testing
Development and/or validation of novel biomarkers for objective clinical trials outcome measures
Testing of IND-ready therapeutics in pilot clinical trials

Considering the interdisciplinary nature of such projects, collaborative studies among geneticists, molecular biologists, neuroscientists, child neurologists, medicinal chemists and pharmacologists engaged in drug discovery and other clinical or basic researchers are encouraged. Teams working together from different institutions as well as within pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are also strongly encouraged.

IRSF’s Regular Grant Program

1) Regular Research Grant
The two year regular research grants are designed to assist investigators establish careers in fields relevant to Rett syndrome research and to obtain future funding from other agencies.

2) Post-doctoral Fellowship
The two year post-doctoral fellowships are designed to assist post-doctoral researchers establish careers in fields relevant to Rett syndrome research. Post-Doctoral Fellowship applicants are required to have a sponsoring mentor.

The maximum funding level for both Regular Research Grants and Post-doctoral Fellowships is $100,000 over two years.

Click here to view the Request for Applications for IRSF’s Regular Grant Program

2010 Regular Grant Program Timeline
LOIs due: Monday, February 15, 2010
Invitation of full applications by: Monday, March 1, 2010
Applications due: Monday, April 26, 2010

IRSF’S Translational Research Grant Program

HeART & ANGEL awards are provided for early and late stage translational research efforts to treat and reverse RTT, such as; assay development, target identification and validation, screening and testing of candidate therapeutics, exploratory studies to develop biomarkers and objective clinical outcome measures, development and optimization of therapeutic candidates and their testing in pilot clinical trials.

1) HeART Award (Help Accelerate Rett Therapeutics)
Goal: To provide seed funding for early stage drug discovery and development efforts.

Funding: The program provides funding in amounts ranging from $25,000-$50,000 for one year with a high likelihood of follow-on funding for successful programs.

HeART Award Timeline

Cycle 1	Cycle 2
LOIS due: March 26, 2010 Applications due: April 26, 2010	LOIs due: August 16, 2010 Applications due: September 30, 2010

2) ANGEL Award (Advanced Neurotherapeutic Grants of Excellence)
Goal: To provide larger, one to two year grant awards with a strong emphasis placed on the later stages of translational research.

Funding: The program provides a maximum of $300,000 in funding per year for up to two years.

Proposals should be focused on pre-clinical drug discovery and development or clinical testing of therapeutic candidates. This mechanism requires development of a milestone based research plan. Continued funding will be based on progress on milestones.

Please Note: ANGEL applications are usually solicited, however unsolicited proposals will be considered. Preliminary inquiries are required to determine IRSF’s level of interest prior to the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI).

-Applications may be proposed on a rolling basis year round.
-Solicited applications are subject to approximately a 90 day period for review and response following submission.

Click here to view the Request for Proposals for IRSF’s Translational Research Grant Program

General Budget Guidelines:
-Grants are made for technical support, supplies, equipment and relevant travel
-Indirect costs of up to 10% of direct costs may be included within the request amount.
-Proposals for less than the maximum amount are encouraged
-Second year funding for Regular Research Grants, Post-Doctoral Fellowships and ANGEL awards is non-competitive but is based on review of the first year’s progress report

Click here for Application Instructions.

Please note: In addition to our investigator-initiated grants and fellowships, we also support research through funding of proactive initiatives, including collaborative projects, resources and meetings. In order to respond rapidly to emerging developments in the field, we encourage investigators to contact IRSF Staff directly about their current research.

Click here to stay abreast of current and future funding initiatives and to receive scientific updates via our email bulletin, the IRSF Flash by becoming a “Corresponding Partner.”