[UCB](https://www.ucb.com/innovation/funding)

February 28, 2026 (Phase 1 submission) | October 31, 2026 (Phase 2 submission)

Up to €200,000 total (€100,000/year for up to 2 years); 1–2 projects funded

Supports innovative research into the cause, diagnosis, or management of myasthenia gravis, excluding pharmacological treatments.

Lead applicants must be early career researchers (≤Assistant Professor, ≤5 years post-neurology training).

--- ## Description The Stef Smith Research Grant, offered by UCB, is dedicated to supporting high-quality, independent research projects focused on the cause, diagnosis, or management of myasthenia gravis (MG), while specifically excluding pharmacological interventions. The program honors Stef Smith and seeks to advance scientific understanding and improve patient care for individuals living with MG. Proposals must be scientifically rigorous, objective, and demonstrate potential to contribute meaningfully to the field. --- ## Due Dates - Phase 1 submission deadline: **February 28, 2026** - Phase 2 submission deadline: **October 31, 2026** Applications are reviewed in two phases; notifications for Phase 1 will occur at the beginning of April 2026, and for Phase 2 at the beginning of November 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award size:** Up to €200,000 total per project (€100,000 per year, maximum 2 years) - **Number of awards:** 1–2 projects will be funded --- ## Eligibility - **Focus:** Projects must address the cause, diagnosis, or management of myasthenia gravis (excluding pharmacological treatments). - **Applicant organization:** Only healthcare organizations/institutions are eligible; funding cannot be provided to individuals. - **Project lead requirements:** - Must hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or equivalent degree. - Must not be beyond Assistant Professor level. - Must be no more than 5 years post-completion of neurology training. - **Other:** Only organizations can receive funds, not individual researchers. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Applications must be submitted online via the [UCB eRequest funding portal](https://ucb.smartsimple.eu/s_Login.jsp). - **Application instructions:** - Apply for a new “FND” and complete all required system fields. - The eRequest title should start with: “SSMG”. - **Documentation required:** - Letter on organization letterhead or email from the recognized organization, signed and dated. - Detailed project/activity description, including intended use of funds. - Full activity budget and budget breakdown. - Contact details for the organization and project lead. - Confirmation of other funding requests (if applicable). - Scientific question(s), methodology, protocol/project plan. - IRB/IEC approval or exemption letter and informed consent (if applicable). - **Review:** Applications are reviewed in two phases, with notifications in April and November 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Only objective, balanced, and scientifically rigorous proposals will be considered. - Compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines is required. - Additional documentation may be requested during the review process. - For applicants in Australia or China, contact the UCB Medical Affairs department in your country for assistance. --- ## External Links - [UCB Grants & Funding Overview](https://www.ucb.com/innovation/funding/grants) - [Stef Smith Research Grant Program Details](https://www.ucb.com/innovation/funding/grants#educational-grants) - [UCB eRequest Funding Portal](https://ucb.smartsimple.eu/s_Login.jsp) - [UCB Contact Page](https://www.ucb.com/contact-us) - [UCB Worldwide Contacts](https://www.ucb.com/worldwide) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [externalfunding@ucb.com](mailto:externalfunding@ucb.com) | | Application portal | [UCB eRequest Portal](https://erequest.ucb.com/) | | Country-specific help | [UCB Worldwide Contacts](https://www.ucb.com/worldwide) | ---

Stef Smith Research Grant

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