The Marfan Foundation and its VEDS Movement division have a longstanding history of supporting research that advances scientific understanding of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS), including VEDS-specific studies and broader research with potential benefits for people living with the condition. Pictured above are members of the Marfan Foundation & VEDS Movement Leadership team supporting the V Matters campaign for VEDS.
Past VEDS-specific research grants include a $100,000 award to Harry C. “Hal” Dietz, MD, of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2018 to investigate genetic factors influencing aortic dissection in VEDS, and a $100,000 award to David Shreiber, PhD, of Rutgers University in 2020 to study the effects of collagen III mutations associated with VEDS.
Two additional projects currently supported through the Foundation’s research grant program have been identified by their investigators as having potential benefits for VEDS. These include a 2024 award to Alexander Bashore, PhD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and a 2025 award to Dar Weiss, PhD, of the University of Denver. Each received a $100,000, two-year Career Development Award.
In addition, since 2003, the Foundation has allocated $250,000 annually to Dr. Dietz’s laboratory through a major donor commitment. This funding supports multiple research projects, including work related to VEDS.
The Foundation continues to encourage high-quality research proposals focused on VEDS, including through newly established funding opportunities intended to advance scientific discovery and improve outcomes for people living with the condition.
The recently-announced Isabella Noelani Parson Welch Memorial Grant for VEDS Research supports innovative research focused specifically on Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS). This two-year grant provides up to $125,000 ($62,500 per year) to advance understanding of VEDS and accelerate discoveries that improve the diagnosis and management of the condition and ultimately improve outcomes for people living with VEDS. Proposals may address any aspect of VEDS through basic, translational, or clinical research and are encouraged to explore innovative approaches that have the potential to make a significant impact on VEDS research and patient care. Learn more or apply.
The VEDS Movement mission is to save lives and improve the quality of life of individuals with Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (VEDS).