ALS Scholars in Therapeutics - Application Form

Due date for submission: January 15, 2025
Questions to: HealeyAMGCenterforALS@mgh.harvard.edu

I.       Application Due Dates:

Release of RFA:                               November 1, 2024
Applications Due:                           January 15, 2025
Notification of Award:                   May 2025
Initiation of Award:                        July 1, 2025 (flexible once contracts signed)

II.     Guidelines for completing application:

A.             A.     Eligibility:

1. 1. 1. 1. Applications from clinician scientists and postdoctoral fellows focused on translational research are eligible.
         2. Candidates with Ph.D. or M.D. with a strong publication record. International applicants are encouraged to apply.
         3. The ALS focused proposal must have a strong scientific rationale and should be largely developed by the candidate with guidance from his/her mentor.
         4. Eligibility for this award is based on the date the candidate attained their degree/ qualification. For MDs, scholars will be considered if they have completed their specialist qualification (i.e., US Residency; Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, etc.) For PhDs they can be no more than 5 years post- degree.

B.             B.       Review Criteria:
                    Applications will be reviewed and scored based on the following five criteria:

       1.  Candidate: Strong publication track record, evidence of independent thinking, and a creative approach to problem solving. For clinicians, applicants should demonstrate capabilities as a clinician scientist based on prior achievements.
2.  Mentor: Ideally a principal investigator committed and actively working within ALS or an adjacent field.
3.  Project Feasibility: While preliminary data is not essential for the application, sufficient supporting data for the proposed aims is required to ensure that the project is feasible and can be completed within the two-year time frame.
4.  Scientific Rigor and Reproducibility: the research proposed must be well thought through, include details of experimental design, blinding, power calculations and approaches to promote reproducibility including validation of key reagents. In addition, the applicant should state how they will share their findings, data, reagents with the scientific community.
5.  Research Environment: Quality and nature of training provided by mentor as well as institutional support.

C.             C.        Submission Details:

1.      Application form

       A. Administrative information: signatures from the applicant and organization, acknowledging the terms and conditions of the award
B. Scientific abstract: (300-word maximum) and lay description (150-word maximum)
C. Research Proposal: focused on therapy development (5-page maximum not including references) must include specific aims, significance, innovation, experimental plan, and timeline.
D. Career plan: Outline of applicant's training plans and career goals (one page maximum)
E.  List of other funding support for the applicant

2.      Budget (Using Application Budget Template HERE)

       A. $150,000 per year total (direct and maximum 15% indirect costs) for maximum 2 years. To include salary support (minimum 75% effort for applicant) and supplies relevant to the outlined project. This may include up to $2,500 per year in travel costs to one relevant ALS meeting. The IDC for this award originates from MGH philanthropic funds and will be capped at 15% of total direct costs.

3.      Supporting Documentation:

       A.  Letters of Reference (At least one required from applicant mentor)
B.  NIH-style biographical sketch for the applicant and mentor

• • • • • Please follow NIH guidelines, not to exceed 2 pages per person this includes:
        • Current Position and Title
        • Education and Training
        • Positions and Employment
        • Other Experience and Professional Memberships
        • Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications
        • Current/ On-going Research Support and Completed Research

D.             D.          Reporting:

The ALS Scholars will submit semi-annual financial and scientific progress reports to the Healey & AMG Center who will share with funding partners. The ALS Scholars will also attend and present their findings at least one of the semi-annual Healey & AMG Science Advisory Council and ALSFAC meetings during the funding period.

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