PLN Spark Grant

The PLN Spark Grant aims to support short innovative research projects that can shed light on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the disease, identify biomarkers or therapeutic targets, or address unmet clinical needs of PLN carriers. This initiative encourages individual researchers to pursue small, focused research projects that answer specific questions related to PLN R14del, contributing to the overall knowledge in the field and fostering scientific advancement. 

Eligibility
This grant is open to individual researchers, aiming to support small research (side) projects that investigate specific questions related to PLN R14del. Interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations are welcome.

Grant Amount and Duration
The maximum grant amount is €10.000,-. Projects that generate promising results can apply for further funding through the PLN Foundation. Projects should be short in duration, with no minimum requirement, but should not exceed one year.

Application
As a continuous grant, applications are accepted at any time. After initial inquiry and submission of a proposal, final decisions will be reached within three weeks. Projects will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation
  • Feasibility
  • Potential impact
  • Alignment with the PLN Foundation’s priorities

Application procedure

  1. Send an inquiry through email with a short description of the project (a few lines on what you are planning to do) to project manager (Marise Goodwin – Marise@plnheart.org) and the Scientific Officer (Annet Linders – alinders@plnheart.org).
  2. The submission will be discussed with the PLN team and the applicant will receive the initial decision and feedback.
  3. Prepare Full Proposal: Applicant writes a full proposal following the provided template, incorporating any feedback if applicable.
  4. Submit Full Proposal: Applicant submits the full proposal to the PLN Foundation.
  5. Full Proposal Review: The scientific department of the PLN Foundation and its scientific advisors review the full proposal.
  6. Final Decision:
    1. Fund: Applicant is awarded the research grant.
    2. Do Not Fund: Applicant receives a rejection notice.

Intellectual Property Rights
The PLN Foundation aims to be considered as a research partner rather than just a grant provider. The Foundation will deliver scientific input from its scientific department and scientific advisors and can facilitate access to its extensive research network to overcome hurdles and accelerate the project. Specific intellectual property rights agreements will be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Reporting Requirements
The PLN Foundation requires a final report upon project completion and, if deemed necessary, a midterm progress report. The Foundation encourages open communication between its scientific department and the researchers throughout the project’s duration.

Contact Information
For questions or additional information, researchers can reach out to Annet Linders (alinders@plnheart.org), the scientific officer of the PLN Foundation.

Do you want to submit a proposal? You need the documents below:
PLN Sparkle Grant – full proposal