Cure SMA Basic Research Grant Program

Geographic Scope: International (scientists from around the world)

Focus Areas:

• Basic research projects addressing unanswered questions in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) biology
• Research aligned with Cure SMA's top priorities:
  • Enhancing understanding of molecular, cellular, and biochemical mechanisms underlying SMA pathology
  • Generating key reagents and tools to facilitate drug development and clinical trials
  • Identifying new therapeutic strategies for treating SMA
  • Identifying drug targets that work synergistically with SMN-upregulating therapeutics to benefit older and symptomatic patients

Award Amounts: Individual grants range from $75,000 to $150,000. In 2026, Cure SMA awarded a total of $750,000 to six scientists.

Eligibility: Scientists and researchers worldwide; examples include postdoctoral researchers, principal investigators at academic institutions

Selection Process:

• Scientists submit funding proposals for basic research projects
• Scientific Advisory Board ranks proposals based on scientific merit and alignment with Cure SMA's research priorities
• Funding awarded to highest-ranked projects

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (800) 886-1762
• Address: 50 E Commerce Dr, Suite 90, Schaumburg, IL 60173

Background: Each year, Cure SMA invites scientists to submit proposals. Recent awards (2026) went to researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine, University of Edinburgh (Scotland), and Leipzig University (Germany).

Application Process

The website indicates that scientists submit funding proposals but does not provide detailed step-by-step application instructions, required materials, or submission formats in the provided content.

Known Information:

• Scientists from around the world are invited to submit funding proposals
• Proposals should address specific unanswered questions in SMA biology
• Proposals are evaluated by Cure SMA's Scientific Advisory Board
• Selection is based on scientific merit and alignment with Cure SMA's research priorities

Note: Complete application details, deadlines, and submission procedures are likely available on the "Funding Opportunities" page referenced on the website but not included in the provided content.