UK charity, PSPA is welcoming applications for small research projects looking into neurodegenerative conditions, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD).

The charity has released £30,000 to fund research projects starting in 2025. Funding will be awarded to several small projects each up to £5,000 in value: bigger projects up to £10,000 will be considered.

Applications are invited from all career stages and professionals residing in the UK and with a track record of interest in neurodegenerative conditions. Projects led by Allied Health Professionals are welcomed. 

This is an open call for applications, however PSPA will welcome proposals looking into the following priorities, identified in their Research Strategy:

• Awareness of PSP & CBD – How can we better inform GP’s, primary care practitioners and the general public about these conditions?   
• Diagnosis of PSP & CBD – How can we improve development of diagnostic tests, speed up diagnosis rates for people and reduce the incidence of misdiagnosis?  
• Living with PSP & CBD – How can we ensure the best care is available in the community for both patients and carers?  
• Prevention and causes of PSP & CBD – How can we help identify the causes by studying the influence of genetic, dietary, or other environmental factors?  And through this discover how can it be prevented?  
• Treatments for PSP & CBD – In the absence of treatments for PSP & CBD what can be done to improve the quality of daily life of people with PSP & CBD, and how can we involve patients in clinical trials?   

Grants are tenable for between one and 24 months and will be available to the award-holder only for direct research expenses (including but not limited to research assistant time and equipment, excluding replacement teachings, research lead salaries, computers) as well as travel and subsistence. 

Applications will then be considered by a panel of independent research experts who will recommend appropriate projects for funding to the charity’s Board of Trustees.  

Collaborative enterprises between two or more teams will be welcomed but are not essential. 

To apply for funding please complete the Small Research Grants application form here: PSPA Small Grant Application Form (tfaforms.net)

The deadline for submissions is 15 November 2024 at 5pm.

Notes for editors

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) are two rare neuro-degenerative diseases.

They are caused by the loss of neurons in certain parts of the brain. Over time, this leads to difficulties with balance, mobility, speech, vision, swallowing and cognition.

Both conditions are life limiting. There is no treatment and no cure.

Currently, around 60% of people living with either disease, are initially misdiagnosed with other conditions including Parkinson’s, stroke and depression.

PSPA is the only UK charity dedicated to creating a better future for every affected by PSP & CBD.

We will do this by:

• Providing information and support to enable families living with PSP & CBD to live their best possible lives

• Improving the quality of life for people living with the condition via research and awareness raising

• Putting the voice of the PSP & CBD community at the heart of what we do.

For more information please visit www.pspassociation.org.uk

---