Skip to content

Grants for Research

The MOG Project is pleased to announce the funding for research that promotes advancement in the most impactful areas of understanding in MOGAD. 

Apollo Grant

The Apollo Grant awards 2-4 applications totaling up to $50,000 in funding.  The goal is to provide seed/pilot data that will allow investigators to pursue related funding in larger amounts from other sources such as federal agencies. We expect to fund research with a success oriented roadmap outlining a goal of investigating the hottest topics in MOGAD research. 

Overview

The purpose of this award is to develop hypotheses and gather preliminary data to support the submission of a future unique proposal of the same subject or portion thereof for major funding from larger organizations such as NIH or the DOD CDMRP. This RFA is not intended for training of personnel or addition of funding to ongoing or existing funded projects. It will not support clinical trials. Research proposed in this RFA should address new, novel research of MOGAD in our stated subjects of interest.

Subjects of Interest
  • Biomarkers in MOGAD: better diagnostic testing and biomarkers for relapse prevention.
  • Efficacy of treatments (esp. SCIG vs. IVIG) and their mechanisms.
  • Data collection to further inform overlaps and differences between MS/MOGAD/NMOSD, including radiological findings.
  • Studies addressing optic neuritis mechanisms in MOGAD vs. MS
  • Studies to inform the diagnosis of MOGAD via correlation of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and serum positivity for MOG antibodies.
  • Studies addressing MOGAD and pregnancy.
  • Studies addressing MOGAD and aging: pediatrics through puberty as well as adults transitioning to seniors (ages 55-60).
  • Studies addressing the etiology of MOGAD.
  • Immune mechanisms and triggers of relapse to understand why relapses occur in some patients.
Important Dates

  • RFA release: April 24, 2023

  • Letter of Intent due May 20, 2023 (This has been extended from the original date of May 15, 2023)

  • Question period ends July 1, 2023 (Answers released within 5 business days of receipt.)

  • Proposals due July 15, 2023

  • Decisions will be communicated on or around August 15, 2023

Where do I email my LOI and grant application?

Please email ALL letters of intent (LOI) and grant applications to Lisa K. Ryan, PhD. (lisa.ryan@mogproject.org).

Download the Grant Application Here
Questions should be directed to Lisa K. Ryan, PhD.
Questions Asked by Applicants

Q: Can groups outside of the US apply?

A: Yes, The MOG Project is an International Organization.

 

Q: I’m a consultant neurologist working outside of the US. Since I do not have a full academic position can I apply?

A: If you have facilities available and your university that you consult with allows you to apply for grants, you are eligible.

 

Q: I am a clinician scientist working outside of the US and newly appointed to a consultant post with a part time research role. Will the fact I am only part time affect my eligibility?
A: Most physicians work on research part time and the remainder of their time is seeing patients. If this is the case, this makes you eligible. If you are strictly part time, then you must have the resources and time to do the work. 

 

Q: Can a member of the MOG Project Medical board apply?

A: Yes. MOG Project Medical Board members are eligible to apply for the Apollo grant. MOG Project Medical Board members are not involved in the creation of the RFA.  Board members who apply will not be involved in the grant review process. In addition, reviewers are forbidden to discuss any grant application and its scoring with the applicants, including other board members. Applicants are also forbidden to discuss their grant application with the MOG Project Medical Board, as some of them may be reviewers for the grant competition. This ensures a fair review process.

 

Q: Can a diverse combination of senior and mid-career clinical investigators (2 investigators) as well as early career scientists such as postdoctoral fellow and postgraduate candidate (2 investigators in total) be permitted?
A: The RFA stipulates at least 1 Principal Investigator / Program Director. There can be 1-2 PIs (one corresponding PI) and the rest of the investigators (including postdoctoral fellows) may be either co-investigators or consultants.