Since our first grant award in 1989, the NMF has been a major catalyst in promoting cutting-edge research conducted by world-class investigators on Marfan syndrome and related disorders. We remain committed to continuing and expanding our leadership role to improve the quality of life for people with Marfan syndrome and related disorders until we reach our ultimate goal of finding a cure.
Fostering research is a priority for the NMF. Each year we fund meritorious projects to the extent we are able, facilitate research collaborations among scientists worldwide, and coalesce key government bodies and research institutions for the purpose of advancing knowledge and treatment of Marfan syndrome. As catalysts in this arena, we continue to strive to improve diagnostic, medical and surgical solutions so that people with Marfan syndrome and related disorders have an opportunity to live a full life span.
What kinds of research do we fund?
The NMF funds different types of research, including:
- Basic research studies: These studies are used to understand the most basic principles and underlying causes of the Marfan syndrome and related disorders.
- Translational research studies: These studies are those which are translated into practical applications that quickly and directly benefit human health.
- Clinical research studies: These are studies which directly involve human subjects or samples.
What type of grants do we provide?
The NMF funds research by providing several types of grants to physicians and scientists as outlined below:
- Traditional NMF Grant Program: This is an annual grant program which provides an opportunity for physicians and scientists with a permanent position to submit a proposal on Marfan syndrome or related disorders. Grants are given in the amount of $50,000 per year for one or two years. These applications are reviewed by the NMF Scientific Advisory Board. This board is made of leaders in the connective tissue field that have the expertise to determine which proposals have the greatest possibility of obtaining results that can advance research. Researchers may apply online for the NMF traditional grant.
- Victor A. McKusick Fellowship Program: This annual grant program provides an opportunity for young physicians and scientists who are embarking on a training period in the field of Marfan syndrome to submit a proposal on Marfan syndrome or a related disorder. Grants are made in the amount of $100,000 for two years for Ph.D.’s or a $150,000 for two years for MDs. These applications are then reviewed by the NMF Scientific Advisory Board. Fellowships are awarded to candidates who submit a meritorious research proposal, who have a strong interest to remain in this field, and who have a strong mentor to help them develop their career. This program helps to ensure training of young scientists and physicians who can become tomorrow’s leaders in the field. Researchers may apply online for the McKusick Fellowship Grant.
- NMF Initiatives: This grant program is used to fund essential areas of research which are large in scope and size and cannot be supported through our other grant programs. These studies would be extremely valuable to our membership and are usually more difficult to implement, such as long term multi-center initiatives and clinical trials. One such example of this type of study is the Aortic Valve Operative Outcomes in Marfan Patients.
Where does the NMF obtain funds to support research grants?
The NMF's mission to fund research in Marfan sydnrome and related disorders is supported each year through the generosity of its donors to the Annual Research Fund drive. The NMF also seeks to identify and engage individual donors with a strong interest and commitment to Marfan research, as well as partnering with organizations and agencies which share its research goals.
Click here to donate to the NMF Annual Research Drive.
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