Call for Applications: MDF 2027 Early Career Scholar Grant
The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) is accepting applications for two types of Early Career Scholar awards to support the retention of early-career researchers in the DM field:
- Early Career Scholar – Basic/Translational Science: This award supports projects in basic research or translational DM research.
- Early Career Scholar – Clinical Research: This award, geared toward physicianscientists, supports clinical research projects in DM.
Please note: Applicants must provide a letter from their department chair or clinical chief confirming protected time from teaching/clinical duties. Both awards are contingent on available funding
Details:
- Date Issued: April 6, 2026
- Proposals Due: September 4, 2026
- Selection Notification: by December 18, 2026
- Period of Award: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2028
- Anticipated Award:
- $95,000 per year ; $190,000 (over 2 years)
- No. of Awards: TBD – based on applicant mix and available funds
Eligible research areas include, but are not limited to:
- Pathogenesis of DM
- Molecular mechanisms underlying phenotype differences in DM1, DM2, and congenital DM
- Development of diagnostics or biomarkers
- Studies of disease progression or natural history
- Identification and validation of endpoints for drug development
- Standards of care and care integration, including nursing, social work, and psychology
- Epidemiology, health economics, and patient support services
- Therapeutic development, particularly early-stage projects that could potentially leverage additional funding Proposals focused on DM2 research are given priority for these awards.
For more information on the grant application requirements, or eligibility please download the application guidelines below: