The Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) is committed to funding groundbreaking scientific research that brings us closer to effective treatments and improved care for individuals with Angelman syndrome (AS). Our annual call for research proposals invites scientists and clinicians worldwide to submit innovative studies that align with our 2025 ASF Research Roadmap and priorities.
ASF accepts research proposals on a continual basis, with annual submission deadlines for review on August 15th.
Funding Amount: Up to $100,000 per year
Grant Duration: One- or two-year grants
Eligibility: Researchers, clinicians, and institutions focused on advancing Angelman syndrome research
How to Apply:
Review ASF’s Research Roadmap (outlined below) to ensure your proposal aligns with our funding priorities.
2.
Prepare your proposal following the ASF grant submission guidelines & checklist
3.
Read the frequently asked questions regarding research grants and submissions including details on eligibility and filing no-cost extensions.
4.
Submit your proposal by the August 15th deadline for review by our Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).
August 15 – Proposal Submission Deadline
August – October – Scientific Review & Scoring
November – SAC & Board Review
January – Funding is Dispersed
Our research funding strategy is guided by four key pillars, each targeting a critical area of Angelman syndrome science and care.
Goal:
Advance our understanding of how UBE3A is regulated and functions in the brain to guide therapeutic development.
Key Research Areas:
The role of UBE3A in protein regulation and neuronal function
Cell-type specific effects of UBE3A loss
Impact of UBE3A deficiency across brain regions
Haploinsufficiency of non-imprinted genes in AS pathophysiology
Actions:
Support molecular and genetic studies on UBE3A regulation and function
Foster collaborations between geneticists, neuroscientists, and clinicians
Identify new therapeutic targets to address UBE3A deficiency
Goal:
Support the development of next-generation therapies to restore UBE3A function and improve AS treatment.
Key Research Areas:
Gene therapy strategies (e.g., RNA/DNA editing, ASO, CRISPR)
Optimization of UBE3A activation techniques
Improved drug delivery methods (targeted brain delivery, long-term durability)
Development of primate models for testing therapies
Investigation of prenatal therapeutic interventions
Actions:
Invest in preclinical studies evaluating gene therapy for AS
Support advancements in viral and non-viral gene delivery technologies
Collaborate with industry partners to accelerate clinical translation
Goal:
Enhance clinical management and therapeutic options to improve daily life for individuals with AS.
Key Research Areas:
Pharmacological interventions targeting synaptic function, GABA signaling, and neuroinflammation
Combination therapies (gene therapy + behavioral/neurostimulation approaches)
Symptomatic treatment development for sleep, seizures, and motor challenges
Telemedicine and remote monitoring to improve accessibility
Standardized care protocols through the LADDER Learning Network
Actions:
Expand clinical trials focused on symptom management
Develop best practices for AS treatment and early intervention
Promote diversity in therapeutic research to ensure equitable access to care
Goal:
Establish objective measures of treatment response and disease progression to improve clinical trial design and outcome measurement beyond caregiver and physician-reported measures.
Key Research Areas:
Development of validated endpoints for motor, communication, cognitive, and behavioral function
Identification of neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and molecular biomarkers
Integration of real-world data from the LADDER database
Actions:
Collaborate with regulatory agencies, patient advocacy groups, and industry partners to define meaningful endpoints for AS clinical trials
Invest in standardizing and validating clinical outcome measures
Support the development of novel biomarkers to track disease progression and predict treatment response
Maximize utilization of LADDER data to ensure it serves as a foundational tool for the research community
Our research funding strategy is guided by four key pillars, each targeting a critical area of Angelman syndrome science and care.
Global Impact: ASF-funded research has led to major breakthroughs in understanding AS and advancing potential treatments.
Collaborative Network: Work with leading scientists, clinicians, and industry partners to accelerate progress.
Direct Patient Benefit: Our focus is on research that translates into real-world solutions for individuals with AS.
Interested in applying? Submit your proposal by August 15th and join us in making a difference.
For questions or more information, contact: research@angelman.org
All proposals should be submitted in one .pdf file sent through the ASF Grant Submission Form.
Questions should be directed to ASF Scientific Advisory Chair at: research@angelman.org.
The ASF welcomes research proposals from both academic and industrial teams, particularly those that have the potential to advance therapeutic development for individuals living with Angelman syndrome.
The ASF supports national and international research collaborations as the ASF’s top priority is to fund promising research, which we recognize can occur anywhere across the world.
No-Cost Extensions (NCEs) will only be granted for the second year of the grant and only as a one-time, up to one-year extension.
NCEs will not be issued within the first six months of the second year.
You may reach out to:
Eileen Braun – Director of Operations, Angelman Syndrome Foundation
📧 ebraun@angelman.org | 📞 630-978-4245 or 800-432-6435
For general inquiries, you can also email research@angelman.org.
ASF allows an indirect rate of 10%. This 10% is calculated as part of the total grant amount, not in addition to it.
For example, on a $100,000 one-year grant:
Any additional funding required for the project must be disclosed in the grant proposal budget. If additional funding is obtained, it should be listed as “other funding support for this project” and included as part of the total project cost.
Pending approval is acceptable at the time of submission. However, the study should be ready to begin as soon as funds are distributed in January. If you anticipate that approval will take longer than this, we advise holding your application for the next round.
No. This ID# is not required at the time of submission. However, we request that you share it with the ASF as soon as it becomes available.
Yes. You are welcome to include an appendix with supplemental information such as protocols. While this is not specifically outlined in the instructions, such materials are allowed and can be helpful for reviewers. Be sure to clearly label it as an Appendix in both the table of contents and within the document itself.
Please use continuous pagination starting at page 1 for the entire uploaded PDF. This approach ensures consistency for reviewers and makes referencing sections much easier.
