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 postponed to April 2nd, 2025

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