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.
3.
Submit your proposal before 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
Submission Guidelines
All proposals, including cover letters, should be submitted in one .pdf file using the ASF Grant Submission Form.
Questions should be directed to ASF Scientific Advisory Chair at: research@angelman.org.
Name of Proposal File
The file name of the pdf should be:
PI’s last name_MM_20XX_Gen_RFP.pdf
(e.g., Smith_8_2025_Gen_RFP.pdf)
2.
Details to Include in Proposal
3.
Submit Proposal Via Email
Attach your proposal to an email sent to amoore@angelman.org with the subject line to read:
ASF MM_20XX General RFP Submission
(e.g., ASF 8_2025 General RFP Submission)
The mission of Angelman Syndrome Foundation is to advance the awareness and treatment of Angelman syndrome through education and information, research and support for individuals with Angelman syndrome, their families and other concerned parties. We exist to give all of them a reason to smile, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.