Research Funding by the National Fragile X Foundation

REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS

To foster research on fragile X syndrome, in 2003 The National Fragile X Foundation will fund two grants of $30,000 each. The Foundation supports a broad range of research endeavors that will lead to better recognition, treatment and an eventual cure of children and adults with fragile X syndrome. The following forms of investigation are potentially appropriate for funding: educational or therapy interventions, medical or molecular interventions, studies of family support and counseling and diagnostic and reproductive studies. Applications will be judged based on innovation, likelihood of contributing critical new knowledge, and scientific merit.

Application Forms/Requirements: Applications should be submitted both as email attachments and as hard copy documents.

Deadline and Submission: Applications must be received by (email) and postmarked (hard copy) no later than March 31, 2003.

Submit to:
Research Applications
The National Fragile X Foundation
P.O. Box 37
Walnut Creek, CA 94597

Eligibility: This program is open to all investigators/clinicians with demonstrated ability to carry out research on fragile X syndrome.

Human Subjects Protocol: Research protocols involving the use of animal or human subjects must undergo standard institutional review, and receive appropriate institutional approval prior to funding. Although applications may be submitted while review is pending, verification of institutional approval is required prior to funding.

Level and Duration of Funding: Funding is for a one-year period, with the potential for continued funding for one additional year through competitive renewal. The availability of additional funding will also depend on the future resources and programm atic goals of the National Fragile X Foundation. Proposed budgets must not exceed $30,000/year. Grants will be made for direct costs only; funds for indirect costs are not available.

Reporting Requirements: Awardees will be required to provide written evidence of productivity toward the goals of the project through semi-annual progress reports as well as presentation of their final results in the Foundation Quarterly. As all grantees will be required to present their results at the National Fragile X Foundation's international conference, funding for travel should be allocated in the budget request if needed (not to exceed $1,000),

Review Criteria: Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
Innovation: The National Fragile X Foundation encourages innovative research. Applications for research using new and innovative strategies and techniques will receive priority. New knowledge: The National Fragile X Foundation is committed to developing new knowledge that will lead to effective treatment, prevention and cure of fragile X syndrome. Proposals will be evaluated relative to their likelihood for contributing critical new knowledge. Scientific merit: The review panel will also evaluate applications on the basis of scientific merit.

Review Process: The National Fragile X Foundation's Scientific and Clinical Advisory Committee will review the applications and make recommendations to the Foundation's Board of Directors. The Board will make final funding decisions in light of the goals and objectives of the National Fragile X Foundation.

Notification: Awardees will be notified after June 1, 2003 with funding to follow shortly thereafter, provided award acceptance, award administration and applicable human or animal subjects documentation is submitted in a timely manner. Unsuccessful applicants will not receive critiques or reviewers' comments.

Questions: For questions concerning this program, contact Robert Miller, Executive Director of the National Fragile X Foundation , at: 925-938-9300, or at NATLFX@FragileX.org .