The Cureshank Research-to-cure grant: EPILEPSY

Request for Applications

Purpose

The CureSHANK Research-to-Cure Grant: Epilepsy (R2C Epilepsy) is intended to encourage research on SHANK3-related epilepsy.  CureSHANK’s mission is to improve the quality of life of individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome through scientific and therapeutic advancements. 

On September 27, 2023, CureSHANK sponsored a meeting to develop a research roadmap for SHANK3-related epilepsy.  The meeting elicited gap areas and priorities for future research.  The purpose of this first epilepsy specific RFA is to stimulate research interest and future investment in the priorities identified in the roadmap. 

The Roadmap

R2C Epilepsy grants provides targeted funding to enable SHANK3-related epilepsy translational research projects.  The awards aim to stimulate the generation of knowledge about SHANK3-related epilepsy.  Novel models of SHANK3-related epilepsy, both in vitro and in vivo, are of interest to assist in drug discovery and screening and the elucidation of underlying mechanisms of SHANK3-related epilepsy.  CureSHANK is also interested in clinical research to characterize SHANK3-related epilepsy.  Preference will be given to proposals that address any of the following priority areas:

  •       Understanding the natural history of epilepsy in Phelan-McDermid syndrome

  •       Identifying variables that influence the development of epilepsy in Phelan-McDermid syndrome

  •       Identifying difference in brains of individuals with Phelan-McDermid syndrome with and without epilepsy

  •       Understanding the contribution of genotype to epilepsy phenotype

  •       Improving the understanding of circuit phenotypes in Phelan-McDermid syndrome

  •       Modeling epilepsy in model systems of Phelan-McDermid syndrome

Key Dates

December 1, 2023      Request for application opens

February 14, 2024      Applications due

March 28, 2024          Earliest award notification

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to investigators employed by institutions (public non-profit, private non-profit, or government) engaged in healthcare or health-related research.  Applicants must hold an MD and/or PhD (or equivalent degree).  International applicants are eligible to apply.  There are no geographical restrictions.  The lead investigator must be a faculty member.

Funding

CureSHANK has committed $250,000 to this project with the intention of funding two or more awards. The total award amount for each grant, including up to 10% indirect, may not exceed $125,000.  CureSHANK will fund the greatest number of impactful proposals within its budget limits. 

Because of the urgency to address SHANK3-related epilepsy, preference will be given to projects that can be completed in one year.  Projects that necessitate a greater length of time will be considered.  Specific milestones will be agreed upon as part of the funding process, and continued funding is dependent on achieving milestones, which will be reviewed scientifically and administratively.

Duration of Support and Allowable Costs

R2C Epilepsy Grants are either one- or two-year grants, with a maximum total funding of $125,000.  We are unable to consider requests for larger grants.  Second year funding is non-competitive but is based on review of the first year’s progress report.  For one-year grants, a final financial report and progress report are required at the 1 year of the award activation date. For grants longer than 1 year, a financial report and progress report must be submitted before the subsequent year of funding is needed.

Potential allowable costs

CureSHANK’s Epilepsy Grant is intended to be flexible to maximize the research value of the award.  CureSHANK especially welcomes projects that foster multidisciplinary collaboration. 

Reagents and Materials: These may include but are not limited to gene chips, chemical libraries, acquisition of cell lines, acquisition of animal model lines.

Services: These may include, but are not limited to deep sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, mass spectrometry, antibody production, and drug/chemical manufacturing.

Equipment: CureSHANK will consider the purchase of specialized equipment or software when necessary

Personnel: Including salary and fringe benefits.  Additionally, CureSHANK will fund postdoctoral and graduate students.

Indirect Costs: CureSHANK allows up to 10% of the total costs to be applied to indirect costs.  As an example, a maximum of $12,500 indirect costs may be included within an award totaling $125,000.

Travel Costs:  Each award will include a $3,000 travel stipend to allow for the PI and one trainee, when applicable, to travel to the annual CureSHANK scientific symposium, where they may be required to present their current research progress.

Outputs Management:  These may include publication fees or other costs associated with making outputs open access.

Application & Submission

Application Materials:

  • Application: Please enter your answers directly into this Word document following the formatting guidelines below and in the Application itself.

  • Budget/Milestones Template: Please use these spreadsheets as instructed in the Application and below.

Formatting:

  • Proposal in Arial or Calibri size 11-point font or larger, single or 1.15 spacing;

  • Margins no less than 0.5”.

  • Include a header on each page indicating name of applicant (Last, First), page number.

  • Only PDF files accepted for review.

Budget template:

  • Applicants must use budget template provided in application materials.

  • If proposal is multi-year, applicant shall note the project year in each budget item.

Submission:

  • Applications must be submitted electronically to grants@cureshank.org.  Only PDF files will be accepted and reviewed. 

Any questions about the application process should be directed to grants@cureshank.org.   

Please carefully review our Grant Policies and Post-Award Policies.