MDA Idea Awards

Overview

_NOTE: Deadlines for MDA's 2025 funding opportunities will be announced in November 2024._

MDA is committed to transforming the lives of people affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases. We do this through innovations in science and innovations in care. As the largest source of funding for neuromuscular disease research outside of the federal government, MDA has committed more than $1 billion since our inception to accelerate the discovery of therapies and cures. Research we have supported is directly linked to life-changing therapies across multiple neuromuscular diseases. In addition to the work MDA does to provide the best clinical care and support to families living with neuromuscular disease, funding the most promising and innovative research is a top priority.

MDA's Scientific Program

As the leader in neuromuscular disease research, MDA is more committed than ever to finding treatments and cures. Our scientific program seeks to:

* Support research at pivotal stages in development — from research into disease etiology and pathogenesis through to clinical trials.
* Concentrate research funding on projects which focus on therapy development or tackle key barriers to therapy development.
* Foster talented new investigators.
* Encourage companies to engage in neuromuscular disease research and drug development.
* Use an intentional and proactive approach to funding research.
* Leverage MDA’s MOVR Data Hub to accelerate drug development, increase our understanding of neuromuscular diseases, and advance care.
* Facilitate collaboration among researchers, and support professional and educational opportunities.

MDA provides support for research throughout the pipeline of drug development from discovery research through clinical trials. Funding opportunities exist for both academic investigators as well as for biotech and pharma seeking to develop therapies for neuromuscular disease.

MDA Idea Awards

The MDA Idea Award Program seeks bold, innovative research ideas that can have an impact in the field of neuromuscular disease. The idea should be supported by a strong scientific premise and include a feasible experimental plan. Applications will be accepted for no more than $50,000 for one year.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

* Must hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) or equivalent degree (i.e. D.O.).
* Must be a professional or faculty member (Professor, Associate Professor or Assistant Professor) at an appropriate educational, medical or research institution.
* Investigators from both US and non-US institutions are eligible to apply. Applicants with non-traditional positions/titles (such Group Leader, Research Scientist, or Instructor etc.) should contact the grants manager ehabeeblouks@mdausa.org to confirm eligibility.
* Must be qualified to conduct a program of original research within their own laboratory;
* Must have an acceptable research plan for a specific disease in MDA's portfolio.
* Must assume both administrative and financial responsibility for the grant;
* Must have access to institutional resources necessary to conduct the proposed research project; and
* An investigator may only apply once per grant type (such as Research Grant, Idea, etc.) per cycle as the PI on the application.
* By the application deadline, applicants must be in compliance with MDA’s Good Standing policy and be up to date on any delinquent or incomplete grant deliverable from previously awarded grants. See MDA Research Department Grant Policy Manual for details.