Dear Researcher,
Fondazione Cariplo (FC) and Fondazione Telethon (FT) after the success of the first three funding initiatives, with a total of 59 funded projects, continue their Alliance to invest in a further joint initiative aiming at fostering basic research to support projects focused on aspects of rare diseases that are largely unknown or poorly understood. Thanks to this Alliance, FC and FT are pleased to announce the fourth round of the “Joint Call for Applications” to solicit projects focusing on the study of genes/gene families, proteins and mRNAs molecules whose function is unknown in rare diseases, of genetic and non - genetic origin.
This call is in support of basic research projects focusing on the study of genes/gene families, mRNAs and proteins whose function is unknown in rare diseases of genetic (both monogenic and polygenic) and non-genetic origin. The term unknown refers to targets for which information on the structure, function, interacting molecules, and drugs is not known. Based on the classification developed by the Illuminating the Druggable Genome Knowledge Management Center (IDG-KMC), these targets are defined as Tdark. Applicants must check the classification of the target they intend to study at the link https://pharos.nih.gov/ : the chosen target must be classified as Tdark at the Call deadline.
Although the association of the Tdark with the disease must not necessarily have already been demonstrated or published, Applicants must carefully justify the rationale for which the Tdark was chosen in relation to a specific disease.
In addition to the well-established support for projects with a solid scientific background, submitted by a single organization or in partnership and with a maximum budget of €250,000 (Full Applications), the novelty of the 2025 Call is the introduction of Pilot Applications: these projects provide a maximum funding of €50,000 and a maximum duration of one year in order to support projects with the potential to generate data and/or tools to elucidate the role of Tdark/s associated with rare diseases.
Eligible projects might focus on the following genetic aspects:
- Genes associated with rare diseases whose function is completely or largely unknown
- One genotype, multiple clinical phenotypes
- Genetic modifiers
This call will NOT support applications focused on:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as funding opportunities for ALS are available through AriSLA (http://www.arisla.org/), a dedicated Foundation supported by FC and FT
- Non-coding RNA (miRNA, lncRNA etc.)
Organizations must be public or private non-profit Italian research institutions.
Researchers affiliated to Telethon’s Research Institutes (TIGET, TIGEM) are not eligible for this call.
Call text and guidelines are available on the FC and FT websites.
Application Submission Deadline: March 27th, 2025
In case of any doubt, please contact the scientific staff at telethonjointcall@fondazionecariplo.it