[Jerome Lejeune Foundation](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets)

March 2026

Pilot grants: up to €50,000 over 2 years | Advanced grants: up to €80,000 over 2 years

Supports fundamental, translational, and clinical research on intellectual disabilities of genetic origin (excluding Trisomy 21).

Excludes research on Trisomy 21 and autism not linked to genetic syndromes; strict ethical restrictions apply.

--- ## Description The Jerome Lejeune Foundation's Spring Call provides funding for research projects focused on intellectual disabilities of genetic origin, with the explicit exclusion of Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and autism not linked to genetic syndromes. The program encourages fundamental, translational, and clinical studies, including early-phase clinical trials, epidemiological research, neuropsychology, and the development of innovative techniques. Projects should aim to generate new knowledge, improve diagnosis, therapy, or rehabilitation strategies, and contribute to the understanding and treatment of genetic intellectual disabilities. --- ## Due Dates - March 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Pilot or exploratory grants:** Up to €50,000 total for projects of up to 2 years - **Advanced grants:** Up to €80,000 total for projects of up to 2 years Funding covers research costs including consumables, equipment, salaries (not for PI or permanent staff), scientific communication, and travel (with specific caps). Overheads are limited to 8% of the grant, and travel/conference costs to 5%. --- ## Eligibility - Principal investigators of any nationality - Must hold a permanent position at an academic institution (university, hospital, research center) for the grant duration (postdoctoral contracts are not eligible) - Must hold a PhD, MD, PsyD, or equivalent - Proven research track record and outstanding proposal required - Only one submission per PI and research team per call - No ongoing Jerome Lejeune Foundation grant (unless in final reporting stage with a favorable review) - Projects must not involve Trisomy 21 or autism unrelated to genetic syndromes - Strict ethical requirements: no use of human embryonic/fetal tissues, cells from abortions, IVF, or human cloning; see guidelines for full details --- ## Application Process - Submit applications via the [online application system](https://funding.fondationlejeune.org/home) - Applications must be in English and follow the provided [project template](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Project-file-template_FJL-Grants-Application_2025B.docx) - Required documents: - Research proposal (max 7 pages, Arial 10pt, single spaced, including figures and references) - [Certificate of compliance with guidelines](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Certificate-of-compliance-with-the-guidelines-2025B.docx) (signed by PI and grant officer) - Lay abstract (max 2000 characters) - Selection is based on scientific excellence, novelty, feasibility, and potential clinical impact - Evaluation by the Scientific Advisory Board and external reviewers; final decision by the Foundation's Board --- ## Additional Information - Funded projects must agree to site visits and progress assessment by Foundation representatives if requested - Grants cannot be used for projects that do not strictly comply with the Foundation's ethical standards - For funded projects, reporting is required at 12 months (for 24-month grants) and at project completion - Jurisdiction: All agreements are governed by French law and disputes are subject to the courts of Paris --- ## External Links - [Program page and guidelines](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets/) - [Online application portal](https://funding.fondationlejeune.org/home) - [Application guidelines (PDF)](https://research-authority.tau.ac.il/sites/resauth.tau.ac.il/files/FJL-Grants-Application-Guidelines-2025A.pdf) - [Project template (DOCX)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Project-file-template_FJL-Grants-Application_2025B.docx) - [Certificate of compliance (DOCX)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Certificate-of-compliance-with-the-guidelines-2025B.docx) - [Funded projects archive](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets/funded-projects-2025/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Conseil Scientifique – Fondation Jérôme Lejeune | [funding@fondationlejeune.org](mailto:funding@fondationlejeune.org) | +33 (0)1 5658 5638 | For general inquiries about the foundation: [info@lejeunefoundation.org](mailto:info@lejeunefoundation.org) Funder website: [https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets)

2026 Spring Call

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