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2013 Request for Research Proposals and
Exciting Changes to the Research Grant Program
The Barth Syndrome Foundation, Inc. (BSF) and its international affiliates are pleased to announce the availability of funding for basic science and clinical research on the natural history, biochemical basis, and treatment of Barth syndrome. Starting in 2013, there will be two types of grant awards: IDEA grants for 1-2 years and DEVELOPMENT grants for 2-3 years with budgetary maximums of US $50,000 or $100,000, respectively over the full period. BSF's Research Grant Program allows young, non-tenured investigators to include in their submitted budget up to 75% of the direct costs amount as PI salary (10% for established investigators). In addition, for those clinical applications where volunteers must travel to a clinical research site, these travel expenses will be handled separately and will not be included in the application budget limitation. We encourage all investigators at every professional level to submit their best ideas for advancing the state of knowledge about Barth syndrome so that progress can be made in finding a specific treatment or a cure for this unusual mitochondrial disease. There are no geographical limitations to this funding.
Background
Barth syndrome (BTHS) is a serious X-linked genetic condition associated with cardiomyopathy, neutropenia, skeletal muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, growth delay, and diverse biochemical abnormalities (including defects in mitochondrial metabolism and phospholipid biosynthesis). Because many clinical and biochemical abnormalities of Barth syndrome remain poorly understood, we are seeking proposals for both basic science and clinical research that may shed light on any aspect of the syndrome, with the ultimate objective of developing a specific treatment or a cure.
Types of Proposals Sought
We are interested in providing financial assistance to investigators interested in exploring the field of BTHS science and/or clinical research. We anticipate that these funds might be useful as “seed grants” for the testing of initial hypotheses and the collection of preliminary data that can lead to successful long-term funding by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other major granting institutions around the world. In addition to those having prior research experience with BTHS, we encourage young investigators and experienced investigators that are new to the field of BTHS to submit proposals for funding.
Process
We have a competitive grant process. Applications should be of 10–15 pages in length and must follow the instructions listed on the BSF website. In general terms, detailed information about the specific aims, significance, research design and methods, personnel, facilities, and budget will be required. A one-page, “Letter of Intent” is required for DEVELOPMENT grant applicants with a due date of September 1, 2013. The “Letter of Intent” is optional for IDEA grant applicants. We strongly encourage the submission of letters of intent before the due date to allow ample time for review and feedback.
Completed applications (and/or “Letters of Intent”) will be forwarded to the BSF Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (as well as to expert outside reviewers) for confidential evaluation. Response to the “Letter of Intent” will be communicated within two weeks of receipt. Based on the recommendations of the BSF Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, the BSF Board of Directors will make the final funding decisions about the grant applications. Please review our “Grants Awarded” webpage for a listing of grants that BSF and its affiliates have awarded to date.
Funding
We anticipate awarding several IDEA and DEVELOPMENT grants each year. Funds will be available soon after the successful grant applicants have been notified in early March, 2014.
Deadline
The deadline for submission of the completed research grant application is October 31, 2013, and grants will be awarded in early March, 2014. The deadline for the one-page "Letter of Intent," if applicable, is September 1, 2013.
Contact Information
Matthew J. Toth, PhD
Science Director
Barth Syndrome Foundation, Inc.
matthew.toth[at]barthsyndrome.org
mtothbsf[at]comcast.net
bsfinfo[at]barthsyndrome.org |