Since 2009, the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) has provided two-year pre- and postdoctoral research fellowships to support new and innovative studies relevant to the pathogenesis of DM, disease progression, best practices in clinical management of the disorder, and therapeutic and diagnostic development for myotonic dystrophy. Through this program, the MDF supports up-and-coming pre- and postdoctoral fellows to expand the base of committed DM researchers. The goal of the Research Fellows program is to support adequate early career and ongoing funding in order to establish and drive a robust professional research community with a long-term commitment to the disease. The specific objectives that the Research Fellows program focuses on to achieve those goals are to:
Recognizing that the symptoms and the severity of the condition vary widely among affected people and often severely impact activities of daily living and functioning, the MDF is offering Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowship awards for research focused on improving treatment, care, and support of the DM patient and his/her family, as well as molecular biology and basic science. For the 2023 Fellowship program, MDF will prioritize funding at least one project focused on DM2 and will accept and consider proposals for both DM1 and DM2.
Applications are due by September 9, 2022.
Doctoral applicants must be enrolled and in good standing in a Ph.D. program at an accredited academic medical center or research institute. By the time of award, the applicant must have completed two years of a doctoral program, including formal coursework and any qualifying examination requirements, and have selected a sponsor who focuses a major portion of his or her lab’s activities on DM.
Postdoctoral applicants must have a Ph.D., M.D., D.O. or equivalent degree from an accredited institution. Degree must have been received within no more than three years of the time of the award. The sponsor of the applicant must focus a major portion of his or her lab’s activities on DM.
Doctoral: $55,000 (includes funding for required travel)
Postdoctoral: $105,000 (includes funding for required travel)
