Ehlers-Danlos Society Taking Applications for 2nd Round of Research Grant Programs

The Ehlers-Danlos Society is now accepting applications for the second round of two grant programs intended to support research projects focused on Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).

HSD comprises a group of medical conditions associated with joint hypermobility. These disorders are usually diagnosed once all types of EDS have been excluded as a possible diagnosis. EDS and HSD share many symptoms and require similar care, as both tend to overlap substantially.

The 2020 Microgrants program will award up to nine small grants, totaling up to $5,000 each. This funding is usually given to researchers working on smaller, short-term research projects; for example, those carrying out small studies to test an idea or hypothesis, conducting surveys, or performing new analyses of previously collected data.

In the spring, the society awarded several microgrants from its first round of applications. A full announcement of microgrants awarded in the spring, as well as winners of the Clinical Research Major Grants, is expected before the end of the year, according to information on the society’s website.

In addition to the 2020 Microgrants, the society also will be awarding Basic Science Research Major Grants, ranging in value from $50,000 to $150,000, from a total fund of $400,000. These grants are intended to cover the human and equipment costs of projects that are likely to require one to three years to complete.

Any research topic aimed at improving understanding of the biological mechanisms behind EDS and/or HSD will be eligible to receive these grants. Some examples include studies focused on identifying new genes or mutations associated with EDS/HSD; basic and translational research using different cell and animal models of disease; studies aiming to understand global changes in genetics, protein levels, and/or metabolism; and studies focused on investigating the bodily processes associated with the disease.

Applications for both the 2020 Microgrants and Basic Science Research Major Grants will remain open until Feb. 28, 2021.

Researchers wishing to apply for these grants must first fill out an application form, and then submit it along with their biographical sketches, through the society’s application portal. More information about these programs, as well as online applications, can be found here.