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

August 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

€10,000 per award; awarded annually to early-career researchers

Supports and recognizes young scientists conducting research on Down syndrome or other genetic intellectual disabilities.

Applicants must be affiliated with a French doctoral school and adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

--- ## Description The Jérôme Lejeune Young Researcher Award is an annual program designed to encourage and recognize the work of early-career scientists focused on Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities of genetic origin. The award aims to support young researchers as they develop their scientific careers and to highlight outstanding research in these fields. Recipients are selected based on scientific merit and the relevance of their research, with a particular emphasis on innovative approaches and potential impact. --- ## Due Dates - August 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is €10,000. - At least one award is given annually, with a focus on research related to Down syndrome. - The award is disbursed as a one-time endowment. --- ## Eligibility - Candidates must be enrolled in the 2nd year of a PhD program, or have successfully defended their thesis less than one year before the application deadline. - The PhD must be pursued at, or obtained from, a French doctoral school. - Research must focus on Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities of genetic origin. - Applicants must adhere to strict ethical standards, including: - No use of human embryos, embryonic stem cells, tissues, or cells of embryonic/fetal origin. - No genetic modification of human germline cells or creation of synthetic embryos. - Use of alternatives to human embryonic stem cells is required. - Full compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines is mandatory. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [online application system](https://funding.fondationlejeune.org/). - The call is typically announced in June, with the online system opening mid-June and closing in August (dates projected). - Application materials must be in English and follow the required structure: - Project title - Synopsis of thesis work (background, rationale, objectives, methodology) - Originality and innovative aspects - Results obtained - Remaining work and work plan (if applicable) - Potential impact and/or therapeutic/clinical applications - References (highlighting publications from the presented work) - Annexes: letter of recommendation from thesis director, student card, certificate of social security affiliation, and (optionally) a photograph - Maximum project file length: 5 pages (excluding references and annexes) - Applications are evaluated by the Scientific Advisory Board for scientific merit and candidate excellence. --- ## Additional Information - Awardees are expected to adhere to the highest standards of research integrity and good scientific practice. - Violations of ethical restrictions will result in immediate termination of the award and repayment of funds. - For research involving human subjects or model organisms, all required ethical approvals and licenses must be obtained and maintained. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Young Researcher Awards](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/young-research-awards) - [Online Application System](https://funding.fondationlejeune.org/) - [Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FJL-Young-Researcher-Award-2022B.pdf) - [Project File Template (DOCX)](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Project-file-template-FJL-Young-Researcher-Award-2022B.docx) - [List of Awarded Young Researchers](https://www.research.fondationlejeune.org/young-research-awards/young-research-award/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [funding@fondationlejeune.org](mailto:funding@fondationlejeune.org) | | Phone (France) | +33 (0)1 5658 5638 | | Data Protection (GDPR) | [dpo@institutlejeune.org](mailto:dpo@institutlejeune.org) | | Foundation Info | [About Us](https://www.lejeunefoundation.org/about-us) |

Young Researcher Award

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