Welcome to the researcher noticeboard. Here you can find information on the latest MND-related news, grant deadlines, awards and meetings. To receive updates on current grants, awards and events relating to MND straight into your inbox, you can subscribe to our quarterly e-newsletter 'The Researcher'.
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If you would like to list a news piece, event, grant deadline or job posting in the newsletter, please contact us.
Grant deadlines, awards and job postings
See MND Association grant page or view other grants and awards available to MND/ALS researchers below.
FightMND IMPACT Grant
FightMND are accepting international applications for their IMPACT (IMProving and ACcelerating Translation) Grant.
The IMPACT grants support research which focuses on overcoming challenges in MND research relating to the lack of translation of effective treatments for MND, including failed drug development and clinical trials. These grants are for 2-year projects up to the value of AUD $300,000. Applications need to address one of the 6 key areas to be considered:
- Disease heterogeneity
- Lack of relevant preclinical models
- A lack of reliable disease biomarkers
- The challenge of drug delivery into the brain
- A lack of effective targeted gene therapies
- The untapped potential of stem cell therapy
Minimum data deadline: 23 February 2026
My Name'5 Doddie Foundation: Catalyst Award
Applications will soon open for My Name'5 Doddie's 2026 Catalyst Award. This award is designed to support bold, innovative, early-stage projects that need catalytic funding to get off the ground. They aim to support research that has the potential to transform the translational pipeline in MND.
Applications are encouraged from researchers looking to gather proof-of-principle evidence to develop new approaches to accelerate translational research in MND. Applicants should make it clear how, within one year, the project will create a new dataset on an early-stage idea or hypothesis that could open up a new research avenue, and have a clear plan for follow-on funding if their project is successful.
Lead applicants must be based in a UK academic institution and the awards are a maximum of £100k for up to 1 year.
Applications open: 13 January 2026
Application deadline: 27 February (12pm GMT)
BMA Foundation: Vera Down Grant
Applications are now open for the British Medical Association's Vera Down Grant for research into neurological disorders. Applicants must be registered medical practitioners in the UK and a member of the BMA. The BMA Foundation encourages applications from individuals who are developing their research careers or taking the first steps toward becoming independent researchers in this field. The grant is for £65,000.
Application deadline: 6 March 2026
If you would like us to help you promote funding deadlines, meetings, awards or any job opportunities, please email us at research@mndassociation.org
Events and meetings
See below for information on events that might be relevant to you.
Science Media Centre: Introduction to news media
The Science Media Centre are holding an Introduction to the News Media event for researchers. The event will take place at the University of Birmingham on the 5 March 2026 (13:00 until 17:00 with a drinks reception until 18:30). The event includes a number of talks and panel discussions from those who work in science media and also researchers who have experience of science media. These events are designed specifically for scientists with little or no media experience. The greatest benefit will be for scientists who work on issues likely to be in the news but who are either media shy, feel negatively about engaging with journalists or are scared that they will get it wrong.
19th UK Neuromuscular Translational Research Conference 2025
The 19th UK Neuromuscular Translational Research Conference 2025 aims to bring together basic scientists and clinical scientists involved in neuromuscular disease research. The event promotes and shares cutting edge clinical and scientific advances in the neuromuscular field, and encourages new research and collaborations. This meeting is being held at Robinson College in Cambridge from the 17 to 18 April 2026.
Abstract submission closes 13 January 2026 (12pm GMT).
ENCALS 2026
The European Network for the Cure of ALS (ENCALS) aims to develop a European trial network and initiate collaborations in Europe. Membership is open to Universities/Hospitals in Europe with ALS clinical/research activity. The ENCALS 2026 meeting will be held in Madrid, Spain from 24 to 26 June. Abstract submission deadline: 15 March 2026
Find out more and register
37th International Symposium on ALS/MND
The key to defeating MND lies in fostering strong collaboration between leading researchers around the world, and sharing new understanding of the disease as rapidly as possible. This was the MND Association’s rationale behind the creation of the International Symposium on ALS/MND.
Each year, the Symposium attracts over 1,000 delegates, representing the energy and dynamism of the global MND research community. It is the largest medical and scientific conference specific to MND/ALS and is the premier event in the MND research calendar for discussion on the latest advances in research and clinical management.
The 37th Symposium will be held in Amsterdam in the Netherlands from the 9-11 December 2026.