Purpose
The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is seeking applications for collaborative studies applying innovative approaches to dystonia that will address the most significant and immediate needs in this field with special emphasis on cross-disciplinary research. Background Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by muscle contractions causing abnormal movements and postures. Despite substantial progress made in understanding various aspects of dystonia, there has been limited success in understanding the brain circuits and networks controlling movement as well as the causes of their malfunction in dystonia. To accelerate crossdisciplinary and transformative research, the DMRF intends to support experimental studies that will fundamentally change our understanding of specific mechanisms leading to brain dysfunction in dystonia.
Objectives
We invite research proposals that explore brain circuits and networks whose malfunction leads to dystonia. Exploratory studies identifying dystonia-specific neural circuits and networks and inquiring about brain mechanisms that functionally integrate such circuits and networks, are particularly encouraged. Both human and animal studies are eligible, however, clinical studies will only be considered if they directly address the mechanisms governing the brain circuits involved in dystonia.
Conditions of Award
Only collaborative research proposals that transcend individual disciplines and levels of analysis will be considered. Individuals with appropriate scientific credentials employed by a non-profit or for-profit institution, domestic or foreign are eligible to apply. The award will support a cross-disciplinary team of two or more researchers or research groups with one or multiple principal investigators for one to two years with a budget not exceeding $65,000/year.
Applicants should demonstrate commitment and potential to obtain a major grant to support their research project after it is completed. A letter of intent is required and should be submitted electronically to DMRF by end of day on October 31, 2017. Letters should be no more than one (1) page and include a descriptive title and summary of proposed research, as well as names and affiliations of participating researchers. If invited to submit a full proposal, applications will be due December 4, 2017.
Address for Inquiries and Submissions
Jody Roosevelt at jroosevelt@dystonia-foundation.org or 312-447-5150
DMRF’s commitment to support the award is conditional on the availability of funds.