ASF Research Program

ASF Research Program

Overview: The Alport Syndrome Foundation's Research Program awards grants to support scientific research focused on Alport syndrome. The program has been awarding research funding for at least 10 years as of 2020, making it an established research funding initiative.

Award Focus:

Scientific and medical research on Alport syndrome

Understanding disease progression and genetic factors

Sex-specific disease manifestations and genetic penetrance

Clinical variability in Alport syndrome

Research using patient registries and biobanks (e.g., UK Biobank)

Predictive diagnosis and patient outcome research

Eligibility:

Researchers and research teams affiliated with academic institutions

International collaborations welcome (applicants from six countries represented in 2020 cycle)

Projects must focus on Alport syndrome research

Award Details:

2020 Award: $125,000 over two years

Typical Award: Appears to support 2-year research projects

Multiple-year funding periods

Application Process:

Competitive selection process

2020 cycle: Most competitive to date with triple the applicants compared to prior year

Reviewed by Medical Advisory Board members who "thoroughly and thoughtfully review all applicants' proposed projects"

Research Examples:

2020 Award: "Sex Specific Genotype Penetrance for Predictive Diagnosis in Alport Syndrome" - collaborative project between Dr. Moumita Barua and Dr. Andrew Paterson of the University of Toronto

- Studies using UK Biobank and Canadian nephrology clinics
- Focus on disease prevalence and genetic factors
- Examination of clinical variability in females with X-linked Alport syndrome

Organization:

Funder: Alport Syndrome Foundation (ASF)

Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85261-4130

Status: 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit (EIN: 20-8237159)

Contact: [email protected] or +1 (480) 800-3510

Research Committee:

Medical Advisory Board reviews proposals

Research inquiries directed to: André Weinstock, PhD, MSAS, Volunteer Research Committee Chair, Alport Syndrome Foundation, [email protected]

Additional Information:

Information available about previously funded projects on ASF website

Program demonstrates significant growth in research interest (triple applicants in 2020 vs. prior year)

International research community participation