Classical HCU Research Grants
HCU Network America provides grants to researchers to support the key priorities identified via our research strategy. These grants are primarily administered via a global grants process that is a collaborative effort with HCU Network Australia, though in selected cases grants may be done solely through HCU Network America or with other patient groups.
Grants Process
Calls for Expressions of Interest (EOI) are issued on a periodic basis (the goal is every 18 months) and are communicated through relevant organizations (e.g. SIMD, SSIEM, GMDI) and posted on our website.
EOI:
- Researchers are asked to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) Application, not exceeding 2 pages, including a high-level description of the proposed project, potential budget range, and any conflict of interests with SAB members. EOIs are reviewed by the Global Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and applicants are notified whether they are invited to submit a full Grant Application.
- Grant Applications are reviewed and scored by the SAB and by at least 2 independent reviewers who are considered experts in the specific scientific approach being recommended. Based on these evaluations, the SAB then recommends which proposal(s) are recommended for funding and the HCU Networks then make the final decision based on available funding.
- Most grants are awarded at the level of $40000 USD, though exceptions can be made depending on the specific project. Researchers must agree to submit an interim project update halfway through the grant period (which is usually 12 months), and a final report at the end of the project. Awardees may also be asked to present results to the SAB and/or to the patient community at periodic meetings or webinars.
Global Scientific Advisory Board

Professor Warren Kruger, (Chair of SAB); Ph. D, Full professor, Cancer Biology and Epigenetics program at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, U.S. Read Professor Kruger's bio

Dr Andrew Morris, (Co-chair of SAB), BM, BCh, PhD, Consultant and Senior Lecturer in Paediatric Metabolic Medicine, Willink Metabolic Unit, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK. Read Dr. Morris' bio

Professor Matthias R. Baumgartner, Prof. Dr. med., head of Division for Metabolic Diseases and Medical Director of the Swiss Newborn Screening Program, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland. Read Professor Baumgartner's bio

Dr. Kaustuv Bhattacharya, Senior Staff Specialist, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Sydney, Australia
Conjoint Senior Lecturer, Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health and Genomics, Sydney University. Read Dr. Kaustuv's bio

Professor Henk Blom, Laboratory Specialist Clinical Genetics, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Professor, Biochemistry of Inherited Metabolic Disease Read Professor Blom's bio

Dr Kimberly Chapman, MD, Ph.D., attending physician in Genetics and Metabolism, Children’s National: Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Integrated Systems Biology, George Washington University, U.S. Read Dr. Chapman's bio

Professor Viktor Kožich, MD, PhD, Professor of Medical Genetics,
Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, General University Hospital in Prague and Charles University-First Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic. Read Professor Kožich’s bio
Patient Representatives:

Margaret McGlynn, R. Ph., Ph. D. (hon), President of Board, HCU Network America

Tara Morrison, BA LLB, Director and Chair, HCU Network Australia