Myhre Syndrome Foundation 2021-2022 International Research Grant Program

The deadline for applications has now CLOSED

To receive future notifications of MSF Research Grant open application periods, please email research@myhresyndrome.org.

Thank you for your interest in applying for a research grant from the Myhre Syndrome Foundation (MSF: myhresyndrome.org). These guidelines provide a brief introduction to the goals and policies of the MSF, and list the specific information required when submitting a proposal. MSF has allocated up to $100,000 in awards and is open to submissions from new and established investigators.

Please submit applications via email to research@myhresyndrome.org and title your email ‘Research Grant Application’

Key Dates:

• Optional Letter of Intent - Rolling acceptance with two week turnaround

• Full Applications - Due Tuesday November 30, 2021

• Grantees Announced - March 2022

Research Grant Policies and Procedures

The purpose of the MSF is to serve Myhre syndrome families by providing a network of hope and support and to collaborate with scientific and medical communities to encourage and fund promising research and advocate for better treatments and a cure for those with Myhre syndrome.

Myhre syndrome is a rare genetic condition with approximately 200 documented cases worldwide.

Both its symptoms and severity are highly variable and substantial research is needed to understand its complexities.

For this reason, the MSF awards grants to applicants who seek to conduct basic, pre-clinical, translational, and clinical research projects that investigate all aspects of Myhre syndrome.

The MSF is particularly interested in funding research projects that have the potential to accomplish one or more of the following:

• Identify novel therapies that may significantly improve the quality of life of individuals with Myhre syndrome; 

• Address an important or novel research question related to Myhre syndrome; 

• Investigate an aspect of Myhre syndrome that is less well researched or is a promising new area for research; 

• Promote and encourage Myhre syndrome research in young investigators; 

• Produce preliminary data that would facilitate broader or more substantial funding from agencies, foundations, or corporations in the future; 

• Discover a cure for Myhre syndrome.

Applicant Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for research grant funding from the MSF, individuals or teams of Applicants must demonstrate the following:

1. Applicant(s) must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree;

2. Applicant(s) must currently hold a full-time position at any level (post-doctoral, research scientist, assistant/associate/full professor, etc.) at an academic institution or in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry;

3. Applicant(s) will be considered from both the United States and internationally.

Funding Types and Limitations

• Idea, US $50,000 maximum Total Cost, 1-2 years in duration. Idea applications are well-suited for basic research/discovery science applications and have a lower threshold for the amount of preliminary data required compared to Development applications.

• Development, US $100,000 maximum Total Cost, 2-3 years in duration. Development applications have a higher threshold of preliminary data and are ideally suited for proposals with clear implications for therapeutic development.

Please note the following will not be funded by the MSF. Collaborator salaries; Salaries or stipends for students; General institutional expenses; General fundraising campaign expenses such as dinners and mass mailings; Miscellaneous expenses unrelated to the research project including but not limited to journal subscriptions, advertisements, tuition fees, professional society dues, meals, receptions, or parking fees.

Research grant funds awarded by the MSF must be used for the specific purpose for which they were originally intended in the grant proposal. Any funds not used in the manner specified in the grant award must be returned to the MSF. Applicant(s) may apply for an extension of time to use remaining funds at the end of the grant period.

Grant recipients shall provide a one to two (1 to 2) page mid-year Research Grant Progress Report summarizing results obtained with funds provided by the MSF. The Report must indicate plans for publication of research findings in scientific or medical journals. The MSF requests that all publications or presentations resulting from research funded by the MSF include an acknowledgement of this support and, where possible, our contact information.

Full Application - Components of the full application include detailed information about the specific aims, significance, research strategy and methods, budget as well as personnel and facilities that would support a proposal.

Evaluation Criteria - All submitted applications will be scored based on three (3) criteria:

1. Importance and Impact - the extent to which the research outlined could make a significant contribution to the understanding of Myhre  syndrome or the treatment of the disorder.

2. Feasibility - the qualifications of the investigator(s) to carry out the proposed work based on expertise, experience, and commitment; as well as the availability of all the elements required for the project (such as technology, reagents, and research participant engagement and recruitment).

3. Prospect for Long-term Funding - the likelihood of subsequent NIH or other grant funding institutions to support follow-on work.

Decision to Fund - Based on the final recommendations of the reviewers, the MSF Board of Directors will make the final decision of whether or not to fund submitted applications. 

Please direct questions to research@myhresyndrome.org and use “Research Grant Question” in the subject line.