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

February 1, 2026 (application opens) | February 28, 2026 (submission deadline)

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 genetic intellectual deficiencies (excluding Trisomy 21) to advance understanding and treatment.

--- ## Description The Jerome Lejeune Foundation's Spring 2026 Call funds innovative research projects focused on intellectual deficiencies of genetic origin, explicitly excluding Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). The program supports fundamental, translational, and clinical research that generates new knowledge, improves diagnosis, develops therapeutic strategies, or enhances patient rehabilitation. Eligible research topics include disease aetiology, pathogenesis, progression, translational and clinical studies, epidemiology, and neuropsychology. Projects are evaluated for scientific excellence, novelty, feasibility, and potential clinical impact, with funding decisions made by the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board and Board of Directors. --- ## Due Dates - February 1, 2026: Online application system opens - February 28, 2026: Full application submission deadline (midnight CET) --- ## Funding Amount - **Pilot or exploratory grants:** Up to €50,000 over 2 years - **Advanced grants:** Up to €80,000 over 2 years - Funding supports consumables, equipment, biological material, overheads (≤8%), conference/travel (≤5%), and salaries (≤50%, but not for PI or permanent staff). The number of funded projects depends on the Foundation’s annual budget. --- ## Eligibility - Principal investigator (PI) of any nationality with a permanent position at an academic institution (university, hospital, or research center) for the duration of the project. - PI must hold a PhD, MD, PsyD, or equivalent degree. - PI cannot be on a postdoctoral contract. - PI must not have an ongoing Jerome Lejeune Foundation grant (except if the grant is in its final stage and the latest review was favorable). - Only one application per PI/research team per call. - Project must focus on intellectual deficiencies of genetic origin (excluding Trisomy 21 and unrelated autism). - Conferences are not eligible under this call. - Compliance with strict ethical guidelines is required (no use of human embryonic or fetal tissues, materials from abortion, IVF, or cloning). --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via the Foundation’s [online management system](https://funding.fondationlejeune.org/home) between February 1 and February 28, 2026. - Applicants must register for an account and follow the online instructions. - Application must be in English and include: - Project file (max 7 pages, PDF, following the provided template) - Lay abstract (max 2000 characters) - Signed Certificate of Compliance with guidelines (by PI and legal grant officer) - All required templates and guidelines are available on the [program page](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets/). - Evaluation is based on eligibility, scientific/medical excellence, novelty, feasibility, and clinical impact. - Results announced by Summer 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Funded projects must start within six months of results announcement. - Reporting requirements include an intermediate (for 24-month projects) and final scientific and financial report. - Grants are subject to French law and jurisdiction (Paris courts). - Strict ethical compliance is mandatory and non-negotiable; violations result in immediate termination and return of funds. --- ## External Links - [Program and application page](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets/) - [Online application portal](https://funding.fondationlejeune.org/home) - [Application guidelines (PDF)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Guidelines-Grants-FJL-2026A-1.pdf) - [Project file template (DOCX)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Project-file-template-Grants-FJL-2026A.docx) - [Certificate of compliance (PDF)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Certificate-of-compliance-with-the-guidelines-FJL-2026A-1.pdf) - [Funded projects archive](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets/funded-projects-2025/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Scientific Council | funding@fondationlejeune.org | | Phone (France) | +33 (0)1 5658 5638 | | Foundation Website | [https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets/](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets/) | | US Office (General) | info@lejeunefoundation.org |

2026 Spring Call

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