Submit Applications for TDD Research Pathways Grant

Deadline: 02-Oct-2026

The TDD Research Pathways Grant provides funding of up to $15,000 for early-career investigators and trainees worldwide conducting research on TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder (TDD). The programme is designed to support emerging scientists, clinicians, and researchers working to improve understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for people affected by this rare disorder. By investing in early-career researchers, the grant aims to build a strong, multidisciplinary research community focused on translational science and patient-centered care for the global TDD population.

About the TDD Research Pathways Grant

The TDD Research Pathways Grant was established to encourage the development of researchers who are committed to advancing knowledge about TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder. The programme supports emerging researchers while encouraging collaboration, mentorship, and professional development through the TANGO2 Research Foundation (T2RF) network. Funding can support innovative pilot studies and research projects that contribute to a better understanding of TDD and the development of improved approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Grant Objectives The main objectives of the TDD Research Pathways Grant are to: - Support early-career investigators and trainees. - Advance research on TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder. - Encourage innovative pilot studies. - Improve understanding of TDD. - Support research related to diagnosis and treatment. - Promote translational science. - Encourage patient-centered research and care. - Develop a multidisciplinary TDD research community. - Strengthen mentorship and collaboration. - Support professional growth among emerging researchers. Funding Amount and Duration Successful applicants can receive up to $15,000 for a one-year funding period. The grant is intended to support eligible research projects led by early-career investigators and trainees. Funding can provide an opportunity for emerging researchers to develop pilot research, generate preliminary findings, and build experience in TDD or rare disease research. Who Can Apply? The programme is designed for early-career investigators and trainees at different stages of their academic and research careers.

Eligible applicants include:

- Undergraduate students. - Graduate students. - Postdoctoral fellows. - Residents. - Clinical fellows. - Research fellows. - Individuals currently enrolled in medical training programmes. - Early-career postdoctoral researchers meeting the specified career-stage requirements. The programme is open to eligible applicants worldwide. Postdoctoral Eligibility Postdoctoral researchers can be eligible if they are: - Within 10 years of receiving their doctoral degree, or - Within 5 years of initiating rare disease research. This structure allows researchers at different stages of their early research careers to participate. Transitional Applicants Researchers transitioning into postdoctoral positions may also be eligible. Applicants who will begin a postdoctoral appointment by July 1, 2026 can qualify, provided that their appointment continues through the full funding period. This provision allows researchers moving into postdoctoral research to establish a research pathway in TDD or rare disease science. Research Areas Supported The grant encourages innovative projects that contribute to the understanding, diagnosis, or treatment of TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder. Potential research directions may include projects designed to: - Improve understanding of TDD. - Investigate mechanisms associated with the disorder. - Improve approaches to diagnosis. - Explore potential treatment strategies. - Generate preliminary data through pilot studies. - Advance translational research. - Improve patient-centered approaches to care. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project contributes to the broader understanding or management of TDD. Commitment to TDD or Rare Disease Research Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to TDD or rare disease research. This commitment should be reflected in the proposed research project and the applicant’s broader research or training pathway. The programme is intended for emerging researchers who want to contribute meaningfully to the TDD research community. Mentorship Requirement Mentorship is a central component of the grant. Applicants must identify a qualified mentor with relevant expertise who will provide active supervision throughout the project period. The mentor should have appropriate knowledge or research experience relevant to the proposed project and should be able to provide meaningful guidance during the one-year grant period. This requirement is intended to support both successful project implementation and the professional development of early-career researchers. Institutional Support Applicants must also secure appropriate institutional support for their proposed project. Institutional support can provide the necessary research environment and infrastructure for conducting the proposed work. Applicants should therefore ensure that their institution is prepared to support the project for the full funding period. Mentorship, Collaboration and Professional Development The TDD Research Pathways Grant goes beyond providing research funding.

The programme seeks to promote:

- Mentorship. - Scientific collaboration. - Multidisciplinary research. - Professional development. - Networking within the T2RF community. - Development of emerging TDD researchers. These elements are intended to help create a sustainable research community capable of advancing TDD science over the long term. Translational Science and Patient-Centered Research The programme emphasizes translational science and patient-centered care. Research supported through the grant should contribute to improving knowledge that can ultimately benefit individuals affected by TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder. By supporting early-stage investigators, the programme aims to conn