PDF Press Releases and Statements

Request for Applications for Early Investigator Award in Clinical Genetics

- Jan 18 2012

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation® (PDF®) is pleased to announce the launch of the Lucien Côté Early Investigator Award in Clinical Genetics.  This award will support up to four postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty in the New York City metropolitan area whose clinical or basic science investigations explore the genetics of Parkinson’s disease and have the potential to advance the field of Parkinson’s research. 

Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, February 17, 2012 for peer review.  Applications must be submitted online at grants.pdf.org. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application for consideration. The deadline for full applications will be Monday, April 16, 2012.

Overview and Objectives

Genes, in ways still unknown, contribute significantly to the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Understanding the genetics of those who live with Parkinson’s may hold the key to finding a cure. As a result, the PDF is establishing an interdisciplinary clinical genetics program, the Côté Clinical Genetics Initiative.  This initiative will support investigations that seek to identify genetic markers of Parkinson’s and their disease mechanisms. The Côté Clinical Genetics Initiative is launching with the announcement of the Lucien Côté Early Investigator Award in Clinical Genetics.

The Côté Award will support postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty in the New York City metropolitan area whose clinical or basic science investigations explore the genetics of Parkinson’s disease.  All applications will demonstrate the potential to advance the field of Parkinson’s research with their results made publically available.

Funds Available

There is $200,000 available in direct cost support as part of this RFA.  Each award will be a maximum of $50,000 in direct costs plus an additional 10 percent for indirect cost support. PDF expects to support four awards. Competitive, follow-up applications may be considered in the future as PDF anticipates making regular awards as part of this RFA depending on available funds. The award may be used to support the salary of the applicant or their research expenses. Proposals may also be used to support aims that stem from a larger, funded effort but should not overlap with funded projects.

Eligibility

This award is open to postdoctoral or junior faculty investigators possessing a Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent.  Applicants must be within five years of receiving their terminal training or degree. Investigators must be at an institution within the NY Metro area defined as within ~50 miles of PDF offices.  This includes: the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, Southwest Connecticut, and Westchester County.  Applicants located at PDF Research Centers at Columbia and at Cornell are eligible to apply.

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted online through the PDF website at grants.pdf.org; no paper copies will be accepted. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, February 17, 2012 for peer review. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application for consideration. The deadline for full applications will be Monday, April 16, 2012.

All proposals for the Lucien Côté Early Investigator Award are peer reviewed and competitively ranked based upon their scientific merit, impact upon Parkinson's disease, and matching the goals of this award. Decisions for the Letter of Intent and invitations for the full application are expected by early March. All applicants will be notified. Funding decisions are expected to be reached by mid-May 2012. Funding is to commence by Friday, June 29, 2012; however, applicants will be given up to 90 days from award notification to have institutional approval in place, e.g, IRB approval. 

Applicants can review PDF's application instructions and additional eligibility requirements at grants.pdf.org.

Additional Information

For more information, visit grants.pdf.org, review PDF's Application FAQ at www.pdf.org/en/grant_funding_faq or contact PDF at grants@pdf.org or (212) 923-4700. Points of contact for this award are: Valerie Holt, PDF Grants Administrator and Dr. James Beck, PDF Director of Research Programs.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the US and an estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide.  Although promising research is being conducted, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s.

About PDF’s Research Programs

Central to the mission of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) is funding research of the highest caliber to improve the lives of people touched by Parkinson’s. PDF does this by investing in leading Parkinson’s research centers; assisting individual scientists all over the world who are conducting pioneering research in its earliest stages; encouraging young scientists and clinicians to devote their talents to the study of Parkinson’s; and collaborating with others on novel joint projects to advance Parkinson’s therapies.

About the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation® (PDF®) is a leading national presence in Parkinson’s disease research, education and public advocacy. We are working for the nearly one million people in the US who live with Parkinson’s by funding promising scientific research while supporting people living with Parkinson’s through educational programs and services. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated over $90 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and over $37 million to support national education and advocacy programs.

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Source Date: Jan 18 2012