Call for Proposals: ASA 2026
The Angelman Syndrome Alliance (ASA) would like to announce our sixth grant call, to fund research for Angelman syndrome, open to teams both in Europe and outside of Europe.
Key dates
Applications open: 1st June 2025
Deadline for applications: 1st November 2025
Successful grant applicants notified: 1st of April 2026
Grant funding period starts: 1st April 2026
Background
The Angelman Syndrome Alliance (ASA) is a non-profit organisation registered in the Netherlands, created by a partnership of organizations from around the world that are focused on supporting people with Angelman Syndrome, their loved ones, carers, and clinicians. By combining resources, knowledge, and a relentless dedication to initiate change, the ASA is uniquely positioned to drive advances in scientific knowledge about Angelman Syndrome.
Angelman Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that results from a loss of UBE3A gene activity which encodes the ubiquitin E3 ligase E6-AP. It is characterised by severe intellectual disability, lack of speech, motor coordination deficits, sleep disturbance, and usually a happy demeanour.
Who can apply?
Researchers of any country are invited to apply for research grants covering ‘basic science’ research that can help support a better understanding of Angelman Syndrome and eventually lead to new treatments tackling the genetic & molecular processes underlying the condition.
Maximum budget: 120,000 €
Maximum duration: 3 years
Date for applications: November 1, 2025
Applicants can apply for up to €120,000. The duration of the grant is flexible, but the maximum duration is 3 years. A detailed written report to support the evaluation of the progress of the project will be required after completion of 50% of the anticipated grant duration and a final report at the end of the study. Researchers will also be required to present their results at the ASA biannual conferences.
Suggested topics for research:
1. Biomarkers for assessing target engagement. This would encompass proposals that develop and validate approaches to accurately assess in vivo brain UBE3A levels following treatment (such as CSF biomarkers and direct PET measurements).
2. Objective and quantifiable clinical outcome measures. This could include wearable devices or other data gathering technologies to measure clinically-relevant phenotypes (e.g. – motor, sleep, seizures), ideally in a home setting.
3. Phenotypes and readouts in human and/or mouse neurons that reflect UBE3A dysfunction. This could include cell physiological readouts that reflect holistic assessments of UBE3A activity, levels, and localization. We envision these being useful for the cataloging of UBE3A missense variants and for identifying and understanding the effects of UBE3A regulators, cofactors, and the function of the isoforms.
4. Mouse model studies that address gaps in preclinical measurements. For example, there is a need for high-throughput and reliable cognitive phenotyping in mice. Other pressing questions include: (1) how does the duration of UBE3A-reinstatement influence phenotypic recovery, and (2) are there critical brain regions and thresholds for UBE3A reinstatement?
These topics are not exclusive. It is possible to apply with a different topic.
Applications must include
1. Title of research proposal
2. Name principal investigator
3. Contact Email
4. Department of investigator
5. Amount requested in €
6. Select here planned duration of research project in years
7. Planned start date
8. Planned end date
9. Cover Letter PDF Cover letter including the title of the proposal and the name of the principal investigator.
10. Proposal PDF . Full proposal containing goals, methodology, timeline and detailed budget
11. Biographical sketch PDF
a. Provide a biographical sketch of the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators.
b. Curriculum vitae of the applicant(s).
12. Lay abstract of research proposal An abstract, including an introduction, objectives, methodology and scientific impact.
Legal requirements
Applicants will be responsible for ensuring all legal requirements in their countries can be met. For example, animal testing, human tissue samples, radiation, and these must be approved by the respective institutional review boards before funding can be released.
The ASA standard grant contract is found here: https://angelmanalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ASA-Standard-research-funding-agreement.pdf
How to apply & questions
All proposals, including cover letters, should be uploaded on the ASA website: Grant Application ASA Grant 2026 – Angelman Syndrome Alliance
Questions about the grant application process should be directed to Mrs. Lara Chappell: Lara.Chappell@angelmanalliance.eu
Questions about research on Angelman Syndrome should be directed to Prof. Hanoch Kaphzan of the Scientific Advisory Board at: hkaphzan@univ.haifa.ac.il
