Launching the Pioneers Grant: a bold leap to foster more innovative and large-scale research

Only Project is thrilled to announce the launch of the Pioneers Grant, a new program designed to enable high-risk, high-reward research in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in particular and, when relevant, neuromuscular diseases with tangible common therapeutic outcomes. This grant embodies the Association’s commitment to fostering innovations that could significantly enhance patient care and treatment outcomes, building on its track record of supporting bold and determined teams developing promising innovations that bring hope to Duchenne patients.

The Pioneers Grant offers funding starting at €500,000 per project, with the potential to reach up to €2 million for projects that demonstrate exceptional promise and need such means to achieve their goals. Projects are ideally funded over a 2-year period. However, longer-term or renewable funding may be considered if scientifically justified and aligned with the association’s strategic objectives. Carefully selected projects will benefit from our existing scientific network, fostering collaboration and increasing their visibility within the muscular dystrophy research community.

Introducing our esteemed Scientific Advisory Board

Only Project has always taken pride in ensuring scientific excellence in the selection of the projects it supports. To further structure this approach and ensure optimal alignment with its mission, a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) was established, composed of renowned experts and researchers in the field of DMD and neuromuscular diseases. The SAB advises our Board of Directors on the scientific grant portfolio. The board convened for their inaugural meeting in Monaco in January 2025 and will play a pivotal role in evaluating all Pioneers Grant applications.

Meet the Scientific Advisory Board members:

• - Karim Wahbi: University Professor and Cardiologist at the University of Paris, coordinating the Cochin Hospital site of the Neuromuscular Diseases Reference Center.
• - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus: Professor of Translational Genetics at Leiden University Medical Center and visiting professor at Newcastle University.
• - Denis Furling: CNRS Research Director based in Paris and Head of the CRM team, focusing on Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1).
• - France Leturcq: Head of Genetic Diagnosis of Myopathies/Muscular Dystrophies at Cochin Hospital in Paris.
• - Nathalie Goemans: Pediatrician and child neurologist specialized in neuromuscular disorders and rehabilitation, previously head of the Neuromuscular Reference Centre for Children at University Hospital Leuven, currently Professor emeritus.

Join us in pioneering the future

We invite researchers with daring ideas and transformative approaches to apply for the Pioneers Grant. Together, we can push the boundaries of what's possible and make significant strides toward improved treatments and care for those affected by muscular dystrophies. For more information about the Pioneers Grant and the application process, please click here.