GRANT ALERT: Betty Laidlaw MND Research Grant 2016-2018

This grant acknowledges the generosity of John and Betty Laidlaw who have contributed the funds for the project. Betty Laidlaw has been living in Melbourne with PLS for 35 years.

The Betty Laidlaw MND Research Grant will provide up to $350,000 per year for an innovative three-year research project that aims to translate laboratory findings to an effective treatment for MND in humans.

Objectives of the Betty Laidlaw MND Research Grant

· To establish an innovative translational research project that aims to facilitate development of a treatment for sporadic MND in humans.

· To work collaboratively with other MND research teams.

The MND Research Institute of Australia invites applications for this prestigious grant.

· Applicants are invited to submit a proposal for a three-year project.

· Proposals that have been previously submitted will not be considered without substantial additional supporting data.

· The project must be conducted predominantly in a recognised Australian Institution(s) which will agree to provide the required laboratory space and all indirect costs for the duration of the grant.

· The project must include participation of more than one team of researchers.

· Participation of teams from multiple Australian institutions will be considered favourably.

· Collaborative research approaches with international research teams will also be considered favourably.

· No funding will be provided for international collaborators who may participate in the project.

· The applicant must be the Chief Investigator (CIA) who will also have the lead role in directing the project.
Funding for the grant depends on continuing employment of all CIs for the duration of the grant.

· Other proposed sources of funding to support the project must be disclosed.

· The Betty Laidlaw MND Research Grant can commence as soon as it is awarded and must commence within six months of the time of notification of the award.

Applications close at  5.00pm EST on Monday 21 March 2016.  Late applications will not be considered.

Proposals using 12 pt font size  in Word or PDF format (do not scan) are to be forwarded to Janet Nash, Executive Director Research at  research@mndaust.asn.au
Applications will be assessed by overseas reviewers according to:

· strength of the research plan  (50%)

· relevance of the project to the objectives of the scheme  (25%)

· background of the team applicants  (25%)

Final decisions will be made by the MNDRIA Research Committee no later than 30 June 2016.

Continuity of funding will be dependent on a satisfactory comprehensive scientific progress report from CIA and an itemised financial report at the end of each year.

A full scientific report is required at the end of the funding period.

The Betty Laidlaw MND Research Grant and MNDRIA must be acknowledged in all publications arising from this grant.

For more  information and application details, please visit the MND Australia website or phone (02) 9816 5322.