OUR MISSION

The mission of PANDAS Physicians Network (PPN), a division of the Foundation for Brain Science and Immunology (FBSI), is to maintain the industry standard PPN Guidelines for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, foster continuous education and communication within the multi-disciplinary medical community and to sponsor research for developing diagnostic tests, treatment protocols and a cure for PANDAS/PANS within this generation.

TOPICS OF INTEREST

PPN is pleased to offer a funding opportunity for grant proposals supporting research focusing on PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.)

All research topics related to PANS/PANDAS will be accepted and evaluated. Please note, PPN has particular interest on topics related to:

• Biomarkers
• Potential causes, triggers, pathogenesis
• Treatments
• Diagnostic measures
• Screening (ie. symptom scale validation)
• Replication studies

PPN and FBSI value diversity, inclusivity and innovation, including, but not limited to, the use of artificial intelligence.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Be a member of the PANDAS Physicians Network.
   1. Click here to apply.
   2. To confirm the status of your membership, please email support@pandasppn.org.
2. MD, DO, PhD or equivalent preferred. Current graduate students or those who have completed their residency may apply. You may include other personnel in your application, but they cannot have a PI role.
3. Grant recipients are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with sound business and ethical practices.

FUNDING

Through the 2024 Request for Proposals period, research may be funded up to $50,000. The number of proposals funded will depend upon proposal quality and funding requested.

TIMELINE

1. Research grant applications will be accepted beginning May 1, 2024.
2. Full proposals due by July 15, 2024 (11:59pm Eastern Time).
3. Grants will be announced in December 2024.

REVIEW PROCESS

All grant proposals that comply with the PPN RFP eligibility and guidelines will be reviewed and evaluated by a select panel of expert clinicians.

The proposal will be evaluated on several criteria, including alignment with the PPN mission, research topic, likelihood to advance recognition and treatment of PANS/PANDAS, clarity of approach, and potential to impact future research. Reviewers will also be asked to consider if the proposal addresses the 2024 topics of interest.