Types of grants
There are two types of funding schemes:
Pilot or exploratory grants
For early stage research projects built on preliminary data or small projects that complement larger primary projects.
Advanced grants
For larger breakthrough projects with substantial preliminary data.
Who can apply?
Principal investigators of any nationality and that hold a long term appointment within an academic institution, at least for the duration of the research project. Applicants must demonstrate an excellent track record and submit an outstanding proposal.
Twice a year, the Jerome Lejeune Foundation launches calls to support fundamental, translational and clinical research projects that will strengthen the understanding, deepen the knowledge and/or will explore new therapeutic approaches for Down syndrome and other genetic diseases with intellectual disability.
The Spring call is aiming at supporting fundamental, translational and clinical research programs related to intellectual deficiencies of genetic origin solely, with the exclusion of Trisomy 21, while the Autumn call is exclusively dedicated to Trisomy 21 research.
Call will open mid-January 2025
Deadline: call closed
What projects are eligible?
Research proposals should cover at least one of the following areas:
- Innovative fundamental research addressing the aetiology, pathogenesis and progression of the studied disease(s) condition and will generate new relevant knowledge of the disease(s).
- Translational research answering a question of major interest that can have a positive impact on the health of patients.
- Clinical research including early phase clinical studies, ancillary studies based on initiated or completed clinical trials, and studies involving patients in the pathophysiological analysis of their disease. These studies should generate novel strategies for diagnosis, therapy and/or rehabilitation.
- Epidemiological studies including case-control, cohort, cross-sectional and intervention studies.
- Neuropsychology studies and development or application of new techniques.
* The funds provided by the Jerome Lejeune Foundation cannot in any way be used to purchase or make use of human embryonic or fetal tissues or another biological material obtained through abortions, IVF or human cloning or to create new human germinal cells.*
How are projects selected?
Projects will be evaluated and ranked by the Scientific Advisory Board of the Jerome Lejeune Foundation. External experts will be asked to review the projects if needed.
The Board of Directors of the Jerome Lejeune Foundation will take the final decision based upon the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Board and external reviewers.
Selection is based on compliance with the eligibility criteria, scientific excellence, novelty, feasibility and potential impact on clinical or therapeutic applications.
How much money is awarded?
Both schemes provide funding for up to 2 years:
Pilot or exploratory grants
50.000 € over 2 years
Advanced grants
80.000 € over 2 years
The number of funded projects will depend on the annual budget allocated by the Jerome Lejeune Foundation to the calls.
When can I apply?
Spring Call
Autumn Call
How to apply?
Applications can only be submitted through our online application system.
Downloads
FOR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Conseil Scientifique – Fondation Jérôme Lejeune
funding@fondationlejeune.org
+33 (0)1 5658 5638
Funded projects
All years (1997-2024)
Number of projects: 850
Total Amount: 28.680.119 €