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Our Research Funding Program

In order to achieve our purpose to drive research for a world without Sanfilippo Syndrome, we have a robust funding program in place.

At the centre of this is our annual competitive research grant process, providing three types of grant funding: Translational Research Grants, Incubator Grants, Scholarships & Fellowships.

 

Our Process

All research grant applications we receive are assessed through a robust review process involving external peer reviewers, our Scientific Advisory Board and families affected by Sanfilippo.

Following this process validates that the research being proposed is:

  • Scientifically valid, relevant and significant
  • Timely and achievable
  • Not duplicating other work
  • Using appropriate methodologies
  • Carried out by researchers with the right skills and facilities
  • Providing value for money
  • Relevant to families affected by Sanfilippo 

Our Stakeholders

Funds we receive from regular donors, family and community fundraising activities, trusts and foundations, and major gifts and bequests are used to fund research that has the greatest chance of having an impact on the lives of children affected by Sanfilippo.

There are several key stakeholder groups involved in our Research Funding Program:

  • Scientific Advisory Board (review applications submitted for funding, make recommendations and guide research strategy)
  • Families affected by Sanfilippo (help to prioritise projects that are of the greatest importance to the Sanfilippo community)
  • External Peer Reviewers (provide an international perspective and expert opinion on specialised topics in grant applications)
  • Board of Directors (make final funding decisions based on the recommendations of our Scientific Advisory Board and alignment with our research strategy)

More information is available here detailing our Peer Review Policy and Scientific Advisory Board Terms of Reference.

How to Apply for Funding

Project Grant Round

The Sanfilippo Children's Foundation calls for expressions of interest in February each year for: 

  • Translational Research Grants which provide funding for projects with significant proof of concept data available to demonstrate potential to move through the translational pipeline towards treatment. This includes pre-clinical and clinical research. Projects are typically in the range of $150 to $300k per year for up to three years.
  • Incubator Grants which focus on small scale 1-year projects investigating bright new ideas with the potential to generate results that may attract larger scale funding. Projects are typically in the range of $50 to $100k.

We fund research worldwide, with priority given to projects most relevant to our objectives regardless of geography, discipline or researcher.

Applicants should apply for the true cost of the research - projects should be appropriately resourced, including appropriately skilled and experienced personnel, to enable successful completion of the project. Larger grants for exceptional projects may be considered - please discuss with us prior to applying.

While all applications received in the 2023 grants round will be considered, we will prioritise projects that are aligned with the objectives identified in the Global Roadmap for Sanfilippo Syndrome Therapies. Please consult the Roadmap and our research strategy before writing your application.

2023 Funding Timeline

  • Grant round opens: Monday, 13 February 2023
  • Deadline for the submission of expressions of interest: Tuesday, 14 March 2023
  • Successful expressions of interest will be notified in April  
  • Deadline for full applications: Thursday, 4 May 2023
  • Funding decisions will be made in September 2023

How to apply

For more information, please email research@sanfilippo.org.au

Postgraduate Scholarships

The Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation aims to support promising health and medical researchers early in their careers to build next-generation capability in the Sanfilippo field of research.

We have partnered with the NHMRC, The University of Adelaide, Flinders University and The University of Queensland to offer supplementary scholarships to students undertaking PhD projects relevant to Sanfilippo Children’s Foundation’s research strategy. The awards will be at the discretion of our Scientific Advisory Board. 

NHMRC

In partnership with the NHMRC, we are offering Post Graduate Scholarships to fund outstanding health and medical graduates to attain a research-based postgraduate degree (PhD or a Masters Degree) in the Sanfilippo field.

Applications can be made via the NHMRC’s Postgraduate Scholarship application process.

The University of Adelaide

Applications are invited for a supplementary scholarship leading to the degree of PhD in the Faculty of Health Sciences or Science at the University of Adelaide. The scholarship will be for up to 3 years and has a stipend of $5000 per annum (on top of the stipend awarded by the university). More information is available on the University of Adelaide website. 

Flinders University

Applications are invited for a supplementary scholarship leading to the degree of PhD at Flinders University, South Australia. The scholarship will be for up to 3 years and has a stipend of $5000 per annum (on top of the stipend awarded by the university).

The University of Queensland

Applications are invited for a supplementary scholarship leading to the degree of PhD at The University of Queensland. The scholarship will be for up to 3 years and has a stipend of $5000 per annum (on top of the stipend awarded by the university).

For more information, please email research@sanfilippo.org.au.