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Target ALS is seeking to facilitate discovery and development of the next generation of molecules targeting DNA/RNA in ALS. 

They are accepting proposals from collaborative groups focused on technological innovation of novel modalities in sporadic and familial forms of ALS.

Target ALS is particularly interested in supporting projects that propose the study of:

• New antisense oligonucleotide chemistry/design, siRNA/disiRNA, CRiSPR, Zinc Finger, and similar technological approaches targeting genetic mutations associated with ALS
• Enhanced brain delivery using conjugation strategies, lipid nanoparticles, novel capsids, BBB-penetrant AAV, or similar platforms
• Molecules having demonstrated cell-based activity but needing additional in vivo validation of effective delivery to brain and spinal cord, pharmacodynamic activity on the target of interest, and tolerability
• The novel modality must be applied to a genetic target associated with ALS

Grantees will receive up to a maximum of $400,000 per year for an initial period of two years.

Application Deadline: 18 November.

Find out more and apply.

My Name'5 Doddie Foundation have launched a new award called the Clinical Research Infrastructure Awards to ensure more people with MND can access clinical trials. 

The awards aim to support clinical trial staff specialising in the delivery of MND trials. They will enable centres to either begin recruiting to MND trials for the first time, or provide additional capacity at sites that already recruit to MND trials that have the potential to expand their portfolio and increase recruitment numbers.

Applicants must be based in an NHS centre that either wishes to start recruiting to MND trials, or to expand its existing portfolio of MND trials.

Application deadline: 22 November 2024

Find out more

The development and skills enhancement award is a post-doctoral level funding opportunity aimed at supporting early to mid-career researchers in gaining specific skills and experience to underpin the next phase of their career in applied health or care research. It provides funding for:

• Salary of the award holder for up to 2 years 
• Training and development costs up to £5,000 per year 
• Conference costs up to £1,000 per year 
• Mentorship costs up to £3,000 

Application Deadline: 22 November 2024 

Find out more

The catalyst awards are designed to fund bold, innovative, early-stage ideas that need funding to get off the ground. They aim to fund exciting research that could open up new treatment avenues, offer new ways to diagnose MND earlier or have the potential to transform translational research in MND.

Projects must be looking to validate new therapeutic targets for MND or improve the translation of new MND treatments from lab to clinic. Improving translational research can also include stratification approaches, identification and characterisation of novel biomarkers or research to enable earlier detection of MND, such as identification of high-risk groups or screening tools.

Applicants in the UK could be awarded a maximum of £100k for up to 1 year to create a new dataset on an early-stage idea or hypothesis that could open up a new research avenue.

Application deadline: 22 November 2024

Find out more

The NIHR are looking to expand the membership of committees across the schemes at the NIHR Academy. 

They are particularly looking for researchers working in MND to help review applications to the Doctoral and Advanced Fellowship Schemes as well as other research programmes. 

If you are interested in joining any of the committees please either complete an Expression of Interest or get in touch via email ([email protected]).

Dr Owen Peters is looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious post-doc researcher to join a project on immune signalling in ALS. 

The project will involve using state of the art in vitro and in vivo model systems to explore roles for mitochondria dysfunction and signalling in ageing microglia in ALS. This post is funded by the MND Association. 

Application deadline: 25th November

Find out more and apply

Dr Caroline Vance and Dr Marc Ruepp are looking for a post-doc researcher to join their lab to investigate the role of the ALS-related protein FUS and its function at the synapse.

The project will involve using a range of iPSC models to investigate how mutations and physiological aspects of FUS itself affect synaptic vesicle biology and synaptic maintenance. This post is funded by the MND Association.

Application deadline: 1st December

Find out more and apply

FightMND have announced that applications are open for their Cure research grants. 

The following grants are open to international researchers:

• Clinical Trial Grants- supporting Phase II/III clinical trials of novel, high-potential treatments for MND/ALS. Grants are awarded for up to $1,800,000 AUD  over up to 3 years.  Trials must have Australian trial sites and participants.

   

• Drug Development Grants- supporting the development of potential treatments for MND/ALS. These grants are split into two stages. Stage 1 grants are for up to $550,000 AUD for up to 3 years and projects must focus on the development of drug candidates, including candidates for which little or no preliminary data has been obtained. Stage 2 grants are up to $1,200,000 AUD for 3 years and projects should focus on the further development of a candidate drug(s) that is in hand through to completion of Phase I clinical trials. For stage 2 grants, Phase 1 trials must include Australian trial sites and participants.

• IMPACT (IMProving and ACcelerating Translation) Grants- supporting projects focused on one or more of the following key issues contributing to the lack of translation of effective treatments through to clinical trial for MND/ALS: 

1. Disease heterogeneity 
2. Lack of relevant preclinical models 
3. A lack of reliable disease biomarkers 
4. The challenge of drug delivery into the brain 
5. A lack of effective targeted gene therapies 
6. The untapped potential of stem cell therapy 

These grants are for 2-year projects up to the value of $300,000 AUD. Applications must address one of the 6 key areas to be considered. 

Letter of Intent due: 16 December

Find out more and appply

The NIHR Doctoral Fellowship is a three year full-time award that supports individuals to undertake a PhD in health, public health, or social care. The NIHR have partnered with the Motor Neurone Disease Association to offer joint fellowships for this application round.

The Fellowship may also be taken up on a part-time basis. Clinicians or practitioners are able to include up to 20% clinical or practice time as part of the Fellowship. 

It will cover funding for:

• the salary of the award holder for the entire duration of the fellowship
• costs for the approved research project
• costs for a suitable training and development plan 
• associated conference fees 
• Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) costs

Application deadline: 16 January. 

Find out more and apply

This year's lecture focuses on the importance of psychological care for MND and looks at Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – a proven intervention that supports quality of life.

It will:

• cover importance of psychological support for people living with MND
• provide a brief overview of psychological therapies for people living with MND
• outline the results of the groundbreaking COMMEND research study into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• discuss what ACT is and how it might be used in practice

The lecture will be held online on the 12 November from 6 to 8pm.

Find out more and book your place.

St Christopher's Hospice and King's College London are hosting their annual MND Conference for healthcare professionals, researchers, and caregivers. The conference is being held on 15th November (9:30- 16:30 GMT) at St Christopher's CARE in London or people can join online.

The full programme is yet to be released but will include talks on genetics, nutrition and ethical issues. 

Find out more and register

The key to defeating MND lies in fostering strong collaboration between leading researchers around the world, and sharing new understanding of the disease as rapidly as possible. This was the MND Association’s rationale behind the creation of the International Symposium on ALS/MND.

Each year, the Symposium attracts over 1,000 delegates, representing the energy and dynamism of the global MND research community. It is the largest medical and scientific conference specific to MND/ALS and is the premier event in the MND research calendar for discussion on the latest advances in research and clinical management. 

The 35th Symposium will be held in Montreal, Canada from 6-8 December 2024.

There is an option for virtual registration which includes access to a select number of predetermined live-streamed sessions, the virtual poster hall and on-demand access to all sessions after the event.

Find out more and register

The Science Media Centre are holding an Introduction to the News Media event for researchers. 

The event will take place at King’s College London on the 5th February 2025 (13:30 until 17:30 with a drinks reception until 18:30).

The event includes a number of talks and panel discussions from those who work in science media and also researchers who have experience of science media. These events are designed specifically for scientists with little or no media experience. The greatest benefit will be for scientists who work on issues likely to be in the news but who are either media shy, feel negatively about engaging with journalists or are scared that they will get it wrong. 

It's free to attend but places are limited.

Find out more or register your interest in attending