The Ehlers-Danlos Society aspires to offer grants annually, with calls for clinical research proposals early in the year and for basic science later in the year. We will also offer grants of varying value to reflect the different nature of researcher requirements, including microgrants. Examples of our recent funding are available to see here.
Overview
The Ehlers-Danlos Society is seeking proposals focused on the development, validation, and evaluation of objective diagnostic approaches for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS).
This funding opportunity was developed in response to ongoing challenges surrounding the identification, classification, and clinical characterization of MCAS, particularly within populations affected by Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and related multisystem conditions. Current diagnostic pathways remain inconsistent, clinically burdensome, and often inaccessible due to limited sensitivity, transient biomarker availability, lack of standardized testing approaches, and variability in diagnostic criteria used across clinical settings.
The goal of this RFA is to support scientifically rigorous studies that advance the development of clinically meaningful, objective, and reproducible diagnostic strategies for MCAS. We are particularly interested in studies investigating biomarkers and clinical and laboratory-based diagnostic tools that improve patient stratification and enrollment criteria, support future therapeutic development, facilitate clinical trial readiness, that improve patient stratification and enrollment criteria; support future therapeutic development; and facilitate clinical trial readiness and clinical practice.
Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative, practical, and translational approaches that may help define homogeneous patient populations, improve diagnostic specificity and sensitivity, and contribute to the broader understanding of mast cell-related disease mechanisms. The goal would be the identification and or confirmation of highly sensitive and specific diagnostics from easily accessible tissue (i.e., blood, urine, etc.). The Society welcomes multidisciplinary collaborations involving clinicians, translational researchers, immunologists, laboratory scientists, and diagnostics experts.
This RFA is intended to support early-stage and pilot research capable of generating foundational data for larger-scale future studies, industry partnerships, and therapeutic development efforts.
Funding Amount Overview
Future expanded funding opportunities may be considered for highly successful pilot projects that demonstrate strong preliminary findings and clear translational potential.
Research Priorities and Areas of Interest
Applications should align with one or more of the following priority areas:
1. Development of Objective Diagnostic Approaches for MCAS
Studies focused on identifying and validating objective methods for defining MCAS patient populations, including but not limited to:
Potential analytes discussed during program development included but were not limited to:
2. Identification of Clinically Meaningful Patient Stratification Approaches
Studies aimed at improving identification of clinically relevant MCAS subgroups including:
Applicants may explore whether distinct biological or mediator profiles exist across patient populations.
3. Biomarkers Associated with Disease Activity or Treatment Response
Applications may include exploratory approaches evaluating biomarkers that could potentially:
Applications proposing clinically practical, scalable, or patient-accessible approaches are strongly encouraged.
4. Translational and Clinical Feasibility Studies
The Society is particularly interested in projects that consider future clinical usability and scalability, including:
Areas of Encouragement
The Society strongly encourages:
Eligibility
Applications are welcome from academic institutions, hospitals and medical centers, nonprofit research organizations, independent research institutes, for-profit groups, and multidisciplinary collaborative teams with relevant expertise in mast cell biology, immunology, translational diagnostics, or related fields. Both U.S.-based and international applicants are eligible to apply.
Detailed Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
Funding Restrictions
Indirect Costs (IDC) are capped at 5% and must be included within the total amount requested in the proposed budget.
Expected Deliverables
Funded investigators will be expected to provide periodic scientific progress updates, interim findings summaries, and a final written report outlining study outcomes, methodologies, and key findings. Investigators should also provide relevant data related to biomarker validation or diagnostic performance, along with recommendations for future development and translational considerations where applicable. Publications and dissemination plans should be included when relevant. Additional reporting requirements will be outlined within the final award agreements.
Anticipated Timeline
Important Considerations
Applicants should note:
Application Link
Apply here.
The Skin Biomarker Grant Round aims to advance the identification of biomarkers in hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). This initiative seeks to address whether the ultrastructure and biology of the dermal extracellular matrix are abnormal in hEDS and HSD and how this could relate to diagnostic markers and understanding of the pathophysiology of these conditions.
The Ehlers-Danlos Society invites research proposals to advance the understanding of pathophysiology and the utilization of skin biological markers in HSD and hEDS. Recognizing a growing emphasis on extra-cellular matrix dysregulation as the mechanism for disease, the commitment is to provide support across the translational pathway, fostering bidirectional collaboration between basic and clinical research.
It is anticipated that techniques exploring ultrastructure such as (but not exclusively) transmission electron microscopy, histophotometry, and immunofluorescent microscopy will be employed in prospective case-control studies that might also afford comparison with past studies in this field.
Cellular and molecular studies might include, for example, the exploration of measurable and potentially correctable abnormal relationships between inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies that drive or are driven by dysregulation of mast cells, fibroblasts, and other cellular dysfunction within the ECM.
We have allocated a total of $300,000 to fund one to two studies. The Indirect Cost percentage allowed for this study is 5%.
The Pathophysiological and Therapeutic Markers RFP Grant Round 2024 aims to advance the understanding of pathophysiology and the utilization of biological markers in hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS). This initiative seeks to address critical issues by encouraging multidisciplinary teams to investigate specific patient populations and underlying biological mechanisms, fostering collaboration for the benefit of affected communities. Clear criteria and study designs are vital for this research round.
The Ehlers-Danlos Society invites research proposals to advance the understanding of pathophysiology and the utilization of biological markers in HSD and EDS. Recognizing the novelty of areas such as epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and tissue histology in HSD and EDS research, the commitment is to provide sustained annual support across the translational pathway, fostering bidirectional collaboration between basic and clinical research.
Research proposals should demonstrate meeting one or more of the above criteria. Studies involving biomarkers such as imaging characteristics and not primarily addressing the field of epigenetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics or histology will not be considered in this RFP. Researchers unsure as to whether their study will meet the criteria should contact The Ehlers-Danlos Society at [email protected] before submitting an application.
There are considerable benefits to using biomarkers to study various aspects of disease processes in HSD and EDS, improving diagnostic and decision-making processes, and facilitating the development and monitoring of therapies. Toward this effort, The Ehlers-Danlos Society has also established a Global Biobank to support research opportunities. The Biobank and this research grant round is made possible thanks to an incredible $6.7 million donation to research made in December 2023 by the Mike and Sofia Segal Foundation.
The aim of the Global Biobank is to build a repository of phenotype data and tissue samples for use by researchers internationally. The Ehlers-Danlos Society seeks to provide clinical data and biological samples to expedite and support research projects in future grant rounds. The Ehlers-Danlos Society will collaborate with successful applicants to this RFP round, where possible, in gathering and storing data and tissue samples within the biobank. The ability of an applicant to collaborate in this way is desirable but not essential and will not influence success in the grant round.
We have allocated a total of $900,000 with the goal of funding 3-4 studies. Each grant is intended to cover expenses up to $300,000. The Indirect Cost percentage allowed for this study is 5%.
The Ehlers-Danlos Society is now welcoming applications for the 2023 Microgrants Round 1.
This grant round is seeking to award ten grants of up to $5,000 each.
The purpose of this funding is to be able to assist researchers in undertaking small studies and activities such as surveys and collation and analysis of existing data, for example, in the areas of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). It will also be used to determine aspects of all types of Ehlers–Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders that can be further investigated to improve the management and outcomes. The following areas have been prioritized as areas that need attention in research:
Funding Amount: $50,000
This grant will adhere to the following timelines:
This round is now closed for submissions
Over the last decade, community members of these organizations have reported symptoms and flares that are associated with the three conditions, Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and dysautonomia in some individuals. While several mechanisms linking these conditions have been proposed, clear pathophysiological research confirming these mechanisms is lacking. The impact on quality of life and ability to engage in daily activities is severely impacted in each of the three conditions, and these impacts are magnified in those who have two or all three of the conditions. Therefore, The Ehlers-Danlos Society, and The Mast Cell Disease Society are requesting funding proposals for this first joint grant opportunity.
The priority for The Mechanisms Behind Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and Dysautonomia is to fund clinically relevant studies that encompass aspects of all three disorders. Applications will be considered if all three disorders are included in a meaningful investigation elucidating biological mechanisms underlying these diseases in specific, well-defined patient populations. Investigators should identify the gap in knowledge to be addressed, and the topic(s) of investigation must integrate information derived from those with all three disorders and allow conclusions to be drawn that will benefit people in all three communities. Patient inclusion criteria must be well delineated, and the study design must be clearly presented. The successful applicant will have an established expertise in their field(s) and include expert collaborators as needed. Collaborative, multidisciplinary teams are encouraged to apply.
Funding amount: $200,000
This grant will adhere to the following timelines:
This round is now closed for submissions.
The Ehlers- Danlos Society is seeking to fund ten grants of up to $5000 each in the second Microgrant round of 2022. The purpose of this funding is to be able to assist researchers in undertaking small studies and activities such as surveys and collation and analysis of existing data, for example, in the areas of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). It will also be used to determine aspects of all types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders that can be further investigated to improve the management and outcomes. The following areas have been prioritized as areas that need attention in research:
Funding Amount: $50,000
This grant will adhere to the following timelines:
This round is now closed for submissions.
The Ehlers- Danlos Society is seeking to fund ten grants of up to $5000 each in the first Microgrant round of 2022. The purpose of this funding is to be able to assist researchers in undertaking small studies and activities such as surveys and collation and analysis of existing data, for example, in the areas of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD). It will also be used to determine aspects of all types of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and hypermobility spectrum disorders that can be further investigated to improve the management and outcomes. The following areas have been prioritized as areas that need attention in research:
Funding Amount: $50,000
This grant will adhere to the following timelines:
This round is now closed for submissions.
The Ehlers-Danlos Society is pleased to announce a round of grants for research into the rarer types of the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) from an available fund of $200K. To be eligible for funding, research must be looking into one or more of the following types of EDS: Arthrochalasia EDS, Brittle Cornea Syndrome, Cardiac-Valvular EDS, Classic-Like EDS, Dermatosparaxis EDS, Kyphoscoliotic EDS, Musculocontractural EDS, Myopathic EDS, Peridontal EDS, Spondylodysplastic EDS, and Vascular EDS.
The purpose of this funding is to determine aspects of the rarer types that can be further investigated to improve the management and outcomes. The following areas have been prioritized as areas that need attention in research:
This grant round will adhere to the following timeline:
This round is now closed for submissions.
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
The Ehlers-Danlos Society is pleased to announce a round of grants for research into the molecular basis of disease in hEDS/HSD from an available fund of $1 million.
The grant amount may be up to a maximum of $250,000 for studies that may take six months to three years to complete, on topics such as:
• Gene and mutation discovery
• Studies in animals or in vitro systems
• Genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, or metabolic studies
• Pathophysiological mechanisms in hEDS/HSD
• Diagnostic markers
For studies requiring serum or plasma, the EDS Society Biobank anticipates having serum and plasma samples within the next few months from several hundred individuals meeting the 2017 criteria for hEDS.
This round is now closed for submissions.
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
The Basic Research round will award grants ranging between $50,000 to $150,000 from a total fund of $400,000. the grants aim to support studies likely to require 1-3 years to complete and to cover the costs for researchers and study equipment. All research topics aiming to improve our understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) will be considered, including e.g. :
Basic Science Grants Timeline:
This round is now closed for submissions.
In addition to the earlier Spring Microgrants, The Society will be awarding up to an additional nine grants of up to $5000 each in the next microgrant round. Typically, though not exclusively, these awards are given to assist researchers undertaking small study hypothesis testing, activities such as surveys, or collation and analysis of existing data, for example, in the areas of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).
Fall Microgrants Round
Announcement date – November 30, 2020
Deadline for submissions – February 28, 2021
This round is now closed for submissions.
The Clinical Research round will award grants ranging between $50,000 to $150,000 from a total fund of $400,000. These grants aim to support studies likely to require 1-3 years to complete and to cover the costs for researchers and study equipment. All areas of health and social care, and education applicable to our research priorities that have a direct impact on care in the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) will be considered.
Clinical Research Grants Timeline:
This round is now closed for submissions.
The Society aims to award around nine grants of up to $5000 each in the Spring Microgrant Round. Applicants should review the information on the grant announcement but typically, though not exclusively, these awards are given to assist researchers undertaking small study hypothesis testing, activities such as surveys, or collation and analysis of existing data, for example, in the areas of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD).
Spring Microgrant Round
Announcement date – February 5, 2020
Deadline for submissions – June 30, 2020
This round is now closed for submissions.
The Ehlers-Danlos Society aims to extend its support to researchers through various avenues.
Please find below the additional ways in which we provide support. Through these diverse avenues of support, the Ehlers-Danlos Society aims to empower researchers and contribute to advancements in the field of Ehlers-Danlos syndromes research.
Research Inner Circle (RIC)
The RIC connects passionate supporters with researchers to fund and advance cutting-edge studies in EDS and HSD. Through quarterly webinars, researchers present proposals directly to RIC members, who have the opportunity to invest in impactful research projects. Learn more.
Researchers related to the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes have the opportunity to apply for financial support to cover the costs associated with making their papers open-access. To request open access funding, please complete the application below, or visit this link.
