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

February 2027 (full application, projected)

€130,000 total per fellowship over 2 years; primarily for salary, with some flexibility for research-related costs.

Supports early-career scientists conducting fundamental, translational, or clinical research on Down syndrome and co-occurring disorders.

Strict bioethics restrictions apply; only one application per host lab per cycle.

--- ## Description The Jerome Lejeune Foundation's postdoctoral fellowships are designed to advance the careers of promising young scientists engaged in research on Down syndrome and related co-occurring disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, autism, leukemia, epilepsy, hypotonia, and immune disorders. The fellowship supports projects that deepen understanding of these conditions within the context of Down syndrome, spanning basic, translational, and clinical research. The program aims to foster scientific knowledge and therapeutic innovation for individuals with Down syndrome, with a strong emphasis on both academic excellence and ethical compliance. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027: Full application submission deadline (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each fellowship provides €130,000 total for a maximum duration of 2 years. - Funds are primarily intended for the fellow's salary but may also cover academic communication, small equipment, and justified research expenses if salary costs are lower than the fellowship amount. - Payments are disbursed in three installments: 50% at project start, 40% after 12 months (interim report), and 10% at project completion (final report). - For certain countries, the amount can be adjusted to align with national postdoctoral salary scales. --- ## Eligibility - Open to applicants of any nationality. - Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent (MD, etc.) by the fellowship start date (not necessarily at application time). - Eligibility is limited to those within six years of obtaining their PhD (exceptions for career breaks such as parental leave, military/civil service, or illness). - Applicants with a permanent position are not eligible. - The host laboratory must have proven expertise and publications in Down syndrome research and may submit only one candidate per session. - Candidates may submit only one application per call; resubmission of the same project is allowed only once. - Previous FJL Postdoctoral Fellowship recipients are not eligible. - Research must focus on Down syndrome and co-occurring disorders as defined in the call; projects must be academic basic or medical research (not commercial R&D). - Projects must comply with strict bioethical guidelines: no use of human embryos, embryonic stem cells, fetal tissues, or materials from abortion/IVF/human cloning; no germline modification or creation of human embryos/models. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [online application system](https://funding.fondationlejeune.org/), which opens in December. - The application must be in English and follow the required structure (maximum 6 pages for the main project, with additional annexes). - Required documents include: - Project file (template provided) - Supervisor's bio and publication list (last 5 years) - Letter of acceptance from host lab head - One or two recommendation letters (one from candidate’s previous supervisor) - The host laboratory must not submit more than one application per session. - Evaluation is based on scientific excellence, novelty, feasibility, potential impact, and suitability of the host institution. - Results are typically communicated in June. --- ## Additional Information - Fellows must begin their project within 7 months of award notification. - Strict adherence to ethical, legal, and safety standards is required. - Use of the HEK 293 cell line is permitted only with prior approval from the Foundation. - Reporting requirements include an interim and final report. - Only one application per candidate and per host institution per cycle is permitted. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/post-doctoral-grants) - [Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/20231214_Guidelines-FJL-postdocs-2024.pdf) - [Project File Template (DOCX)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Project-file-template-FJL-Postdoctoral-Fellowship-Application2024.docx) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/call-for-projets) - [Awarded Fellowships](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/post-doctoral-grants/post-doctoral-grants-2020/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [postdoctoral@fondationlejeune.org](mailto:postdoctoral@fondationlejeune.org) | | Funder Information | [About the Foundation](https://www.lejeunefoundation.org/about-us) | | Data Protection (GDPR) | [dpo@fondationjeune.org](mailto:dpo@fondationjeune.org) |

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