Introduction

Famiglie GNAO1 APS is a non-profit association founded in 2019 by a few families of kids affected by neurodevelopmental disorders related to the GNAO1 gene. The main aims of the association are:

• create a network among families and promote inclusion
• spread the awareness about this disease
• create a network among clinicians and researchers
• support research of an effective therapy to mitigate the symptoms and cure the disease.

Objective of the Call

The purpose of this Call is to finance two or more proposals focused on neurodevelopmental disorders caused by GNAO1 mutations. Basic research projects, clinical projects as well as fellowships will be considered. The Call is open to researchers and clinicians based in the EU and associated countries.

Grant features

Duration

The selected projects are supposed to be carried out within one year since the funds will be available. Exceptions can be made for special cases that can be discussed separately.

Financing

The total allocated budget for this call is 100.000 euros. Therefore, the maximum requested funding for a proposal should be 50.000 euros, although larger funding might be possible if a project is considered particularly valuable and the other selected project requires a smaller budget. Indirect costs such as management costs and overheads are not eligible.

Research objectives

The project to be financed through this grant will be awarded to qualified researchers who can carry out clinical studies or scientific research related to GNAO1. The areas of study may include, but are not limited to:

• Genetic and/or molecular studies
• Development of therapies (pharmacological, advanced therapies…)
• Pre-clinical or clinical trials

This grant will not take into account projects related to patient records, biobanks or natural history studies.

Application procedure

Researchers and clinicians from EU and associated countries are invited to apply by sending, by the 30th of April 2024, the following documents:

• Biographical sketch and 10 most relevant publications for the principal investigator (max 1 page)
• List of co-investigators, if applicable
• Description and objectives of the project (max 3 pages)
• Budget outline (max ½ page)
• List of pending or already funded projects that overlap (even partially) with the project proposed for this call. A short description of each of those projects is required, clearly indicating where the overlap occurs.

These documents, prepared in English, should be sent to the following e-mail address: research@gnao1.it with the subject “GNAO1 Research Call”. Applicants are responsible for all the information contained in the documentation provided and guarantee its veracity.

Assessment and selection of applications

Applications that meet the requirements of this Call will be submitted for evaluation by the Famiglie GNAO1 Scientific Advisory Board, which includes professionals from the field of GNAO1 and / or linked to the specific subject of the project. The Scientific Advisory Board will evaluate the applications according to their scientific quality, relevance and potential to generate important knowledge according to the objectives of the Grant. The result of the evaluation will then be communicated to the Famiglie GNAO1’s Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will be the one that irrevocably makes the final decision regarding the projects to be financed with this Grant.

Absolute confidentiality is guaranteed by Famiglie GNAO1 APS throughout the selection process, except for the disclosure of the selected project, which will be announced on the association’s website and social networks.

Application Schedule

• February 29, 2024 The call is announced
• April 30, 2024 Deadline for proposals
• June 15, 2024 Award announcement
• July 15, 2024 Funds available