Dravet Syndrome Foundation: Clinical Research Grants

The Dravet Syndrome Foundation offers Clinical Research Grants aimed at experienced investigators focusing on Dravet syndrome. Grants of $250,000 over two years support projects that address community needs, enhance understanding of the syndrome, and develop novel therapies. Eligibility includes MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees and affiliation with academic institutions. The program prioritizes research on patient history, outcome measurement improvements, and prevention of SUDEP, fostering advancements toward better treatments and potential cures.

Clinical Research Grants are intended for established, experienced, independent investigators affiliated with a research or academic institution whose proposed projects have a clinical focus and investigate hypotheses directly related to Dravet syndrome. Proposals are scored according to NIH guidelines based on the quality of preliminary data, research design, feasibility, investigator’s qualifications, and overall impact. Grants are awarded for $250,000 over 2 years (beginning January 1 of each year), with indirect costs not to exceed 10% of the award.
Investigators applying for a research grant should ensure their proposed project addresses the needs of the Dravet syndrome community and DSF’s mission to support research toward better treatments and a cure for Dravet syndrome.
Clinical Priority Areas include:
Research that helps better characterize the natural history of Dravet syndrome across the patient lifetime, including identifying patient trends, characteristics, epidemiology, or other clinical aspects of Dravet syndrome and/or its comorbiditiesResearch that develops or refines outcome measurements that can fully reflect meaningful improvements in patient symptoms and quality of lifeResearch that helps to understand, predict, and prevent SUDEPResearch that will encourage the development of novel therapies to prevent onset or halt the progression of the Dravet syndrome

Eligibility

MD, PhD, DO, or equivalent degreeProject has a clinical focus, utilizing patient samples or dataIndependent investigator affiliated with an academic or research institutionFaculty appointment or offer letter and department/institution commitment of resources and spaceUS citizenship not required

Ineligibility

Awards are not given to private companies.