[Marfan Foundation](https://www.marfan.org)

January 26, 2026 (Full application deadline for Victor McKusick Fellows)

Up to $150,000 for MDs or $100,000 for PhDs over two years (no indirect costs allowed).

Supports postdoctoral fellows beginning research careers in Marfan syndrome or related genetic aortic and vascular conditions, with a strong emphasis on mentorship.

--- ## Description The Victor McKusick Fellows program provides two-year fellowships for postdoctoral researchers pursuing biomedical research in Marfan syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), or other relevant genetic aortic and vascular conditions. The award is intended to facilitate the transition of early-career scientists into independent investigators, with a focus on strong mentorship and a supportive institutional environment. Research may be basic, translational, or clinical, and proposals in non-cardiac disciplines and clinical research are especially encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - January 26, 2026: Application deadline (full application submission for Victor McKusick Fellows) - June 8, 2026: Announcement of awards - July 1, 2026: Funding available --- ## Funding Amount - MDs: Up to $75,000 per year, total $150,000 over two years - PhDs: Up to $50,000 per year, total $100,000 over two years - No institutional overhead or indirect costs allowed - Funds are paid to the fellow’s institution and must be used for project-related expenses (excluding major equipment, administrative salaries, tuition, etc.) --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD, DO, PhD, ScD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent degree. - Open to fellows up to postgraduate year 6. - Both U.S. and international applicants are eligible. - Candidates must be eligible for specialty training in fields relevant to Marfan syndrome or related conditions (e.g., genetics, cardiology, orthopedics, pulmonary, ophthalmology). - The fellowship can only be held once by any individual. - The project must be conducted at an accredited medical school or institution affiliated with a university teaching program (U.S. or international). - Applicants must work with a mentor with a strong research record and provide a mentorship and career development plan. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically as a single PDF via the Marfan Foundation website. - Required components include: - Application/title page (with signatures) - Project abstract and layperson summary - Research plan (max 3 pages) - Career development plan (max 3 pages) - Budget and justification - Biographical sketches (NIH format accepted) - Facilities description - Letters of support and regulatory approvals (IRB/IACUC if applicable) - The application should follow NIH-style proposal standards. - Proposals are reviewed by the Marfan Foundation Scientific Advisory Board; awards are subject to Board of Directors approval. --- ## Additional Information - Special consideration is given to proposals in clinical research and non-cardiac disciplines. - The mentor must provide a supervision and transition plan for the fellow. - The institution must demonstrate a strong commitment to the candidate’s research and career development. - Progress and financial reports are required during and after the fellowship. - All discoveries must be shared with the scientific community and acknowledge Marfan Foundation support. - Intellectual property arising from the research is subject to the Foundation’s IP policy. --- ## External Links - [Victor McKusick Fellows Program Overview](https://marfan.org/resource-library/victor-mckusick-fellows/) - [Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://marfan.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/McKUSICK-FELLOWSHIP-GUIDELINES_24Jul2025.pdf) - [Application Form (PDF)](https://marfan.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/FellowshipApp.en_.pdf) - [Online Application Submission Portal](http://www.tfaforms.com/4773381) - [Marfan Foundation Research Grants](https://marfan.org/research/grants/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | |--------------|----------------------|----------------------------| | Lauren May | Director of Research | lmay@marfan.org | For general inquiries, visit the [Marfan Foundation contact page](https://www.marfan.org/contact).

Victor McKusick Fellows - Marfan Foundation

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