TDD Research Pathways Grant for Early-Career Investigators

Deadline: 02-Oct-2026

The TDD Research Pathways Grant supports early-career investigators worldwide conducting innovative research to advance understanding of TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder (TDD) and improve outcomes for people affected by this rare disease. The programme was established to invest in emerging scientists, researchers and clinicians who are committed to TDD research. It supports pilot studies and innovative research projects while providing opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and professional development within the global TDD research community. Purpose of the TDD Research Pathways Grant The grant aims to help develop the next generation of investigators working on TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder and other relevant rare disease research.

The programme seeks to:

- Encourage innovative TDD research. - Support pilot studies that can generate preliminary findings. - Increase participation in TDD-focused research initiatives. - Promote translational research. - Support improvements in clinical care. - Advance patient-centered outcomes. - Foster mentorship and collaboration. - Provide professional development opportunities for early-career investigators. - Strengthen the global TDD research community. How Much Funding Is Available? The programme provides two forms of support. Research Project Funding Up to $15,000 is available for eligible research projects. The research funding period is one year. The grant can support pilot studies and innovative research projects that contribute to the advancement of TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder research. Travel Support An additional up to $1,000 is available for travel expenses. This travel support is intended for individuals presenting original research on TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder at: - Scientific meetings. - Medical meetings. - Conferences. - Symposia. Applicants seeking travel support should be presenting original TDD-related research at an eligible scientific or medical event. What Research Does the Grant Support? The TDD Research Pathways Grant supports innovative projects that can contribute to a better understanding of TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder. Supported research may include pilot studies and other innovative research initiatives that encourage participation in TDD-focused work. The programme also emphasizes the broader research pathway from scientific discovery toward improved clinical care and patient-centered outcomes. Applicants should therefore clearly explain how their proposed research can contribute to the TDD research community and potentially advance knowledge, care or outcomes. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible applicants worldwide.

The eligibility pool includes:

- Undergraduate students. - Graduate students. - Medical trainees. - Postdoctoral fellows. - Residents. - Clinical fellows. - Research fellows. - Early-career investigators. Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder or rare disease research.

They must also have:

- Appropriate institutional support. - A qualified mentor. Early-Career Investigator Eligibility The programme provides opportunities for researchers at different stages of early-career development. Early-career investigators can qualify if they are: - Within 10 years of obtaining their doctoral degree; or - Within 5 years of initiating rare disease research. This allows the programme to support researchers whose career development may have followed different pathways into rare disease research. Transitional Applicants The programme also supports transitional applicants entering postdoctoral research. Individuals who will begin a postdoctoral appointment at a nonprofit institution by July 1, 2026 are eligible. This provision can help researchers transition into postdoctoral positions while continuing to develop their research careers in TDD or rare disease research. Mentorship Requirement Applicants must identify a qualified mentor. Mentorship is an important component of the programme because the grant is designed not only to support research but also to develop the next generation of TDD investigators.

A suitable mentor can contribute to:

- Research guidance. - Scientific development. - Career development. - Collaboration. - Professional growth. - Exposure to multidisciplinary TDD research. Applicants should therefore identify a mentor whose expertise is relevant to their proposed research and career development. Institutional Support Applicants must demonstrate appropriate institutional support for their proposed research. This requirement helps establish that the investigator has an appropriate research environment in which the project can be conducted. Applicants should ensure that their institution can support the proposed research activities and that the project is realistically achievable within the one-year funding period. Global Eligibility The TDD Research Pathways Grant accepts applications from researchers worldwide. The programme specifically encourages participation from: - Researchers based outside the United States. - Researchers from underrepresented populations. - Researchers from historically excluded populations. This global and inclusive approach is intended to strengthen diversity within the TDD research community and encourage broader participation in rare disease research. Research and Professional Development The programme goes beyond providing financial support for research. Awardees receive opportunities to participate in activities that can strengthen their professional development and connections within the TDD research community.

The programme encourages:

- Mentorship. - Collaboration. - Multidisciplinary research. - Translational research. - Clinical care advancement. - Patient-centered research. - Professional development. These opportunities can help early-career researchers build experience while contributing to a growing international research field. Translational and Patient-Centered Research A key objective of the progr