PSC Research Grants Program - Young Investigator Award

Overview:
The Young Investigator Award category was launched in 2018 to fund promising researchers in the early stages of their research careers. As of 2024, award amounts increased to $100,000 for a 2-year project period.

Geographic Scope: International (researchers from any country eligible)

Research Focus Areas:
Funds novel research projects addressing:

• Clinical research on PSC
• Translational research on PSC
• Basic research on PSC
• Closely associated diseases (inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cholangiocarcinoma)

Research Priorities:

• Improving understanding of mechanisms contributing to PSC development and progression
• Exploring the gut-liver connection in PSC and PSC-IBD
• Developing safe and effective treatments to slow disease progression and reduce symptom burden
• Early detection and treatment of PSC-related cholangiocarcinoma

Eligibility:

• Researchers in early stages of their research careers
• Interest in clinical, translational, or basic research on PSC
• Demonstrated promise in research capabilities

Grant Cycle:
Annual cycle consisting of:

1. Letters of Intent (LOIs)
2. Full applications
3. Peer review by Scientific/Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC)
4. Community review by PSC Partners Community Review Committee (includes patients, caregivers, family members)
5. Board approval
6. Funding decisions and awards

Reporting Requirements:

• Lay summary for PSC Partners website (first year)
• First-year progress report to SMAC (required for second-year funding)
• Final report upon project completion
• Second-year funding contingent on successful review of progress report

2025 Recipients: 2 Young Investigator Awards funded

• Olumuyiwa Awoniyi, Cleveland Clinic Foundation ($100,000)
• Henry Hoyle, University of Oslo ($100,000)

Application Process

Submission Format:
Two-stage process:

1. Letters of Intent (LOIs)
   • Submitted first
   • Used to screen applications
2. Full Applications
   • Submitted by selected LOI applicants
   • Detailed project proposals

Required Materials:

• Project proposal addressing PSC-related research question
• Lay summary (for funded projects)
• Progress reports (first year required for second-year funding)
• Final report (upon project completion)

Review Process:

• Evaluated by Scientific/Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC) - panel of leading PSC researchers and clinicians
• Community review by PSC Partners Community Review Committee (patients, caregivers, family members)
• Board approval required

Eligibility Criteria:

• Novel, important research question related to PSC or closely associated diseases
• Researcher in early career stage
• Feasibility of project timeline (2 years)

Application URL: Contact grants@pscpartners.org for application materials and portal information