Fondazione Cariplo (FC) and Fondazione Telethon (FT) continue their Alliance to invest in a further joint initiative aiming at fostering basic research to support projects focused on aspects of rare diseases that are largely unknown or poorly understood.

A new “Joint Call for Applications” is in support of basic research projects focusing on the study of genes/gene families, mRNAs and proteins whose function is unknown in rare diseases of genetic (both monogenic and polygenic) and non-genetic origin.

In addition to the well-established support for projects with a solid scientific background, submitted by a single organization or in partnership and with a maximum budget of € 250,000 (Full Applications), the novelty of the 2025 Call is the introduction of Pilot Applications: these projects provide a maximum funding of € 50,000 and a maximum duration of one year in order to support projects with the potential to generate data and/or tools to elucidate the role of Tdark/s associated with rare diseases.

Eligible projects might focus on the following genetic aspects:
– Genes associated with rare diseases whose function is completely or largely unknown
– One genotype, multiple clinical phenotypes
– Genetic modifiers

This call will NOT support applications focused on:

– Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as funding opportunities for ALS are available through AriSLA (http://www.arisla.org/), a dedicated Foundation supported by FC and FT
– Non-coding RNA (miRNA, lncRNA etc.)

Call text and guidelines are available on the FC and FT websites.

Application Submission Deadline: March 27th, 2025

In case of any doubt, please contact the scientific staff at telethonjointcall@fondazionecariplo.it