Know the Signs, Fight for Victory

Since its inception in 1986, our research program has had a significant impact and embraces many of the new and exciting advancements occurring in genetic aortic and vascular research.

Our grant program provides financial support for investigators studying any or all disciplines involving Marfan syndrome, VEDS, LDS, EDS, and other genetic aortic and vascular conditions.

Grant awards are based on proposal evaluation by The Marfan Foundation Scientific Advisory Board with the approval of the Board of Directors.


Everest Award
Letters of Intent due September 30, 2024

The Everest Award is a multi-institutional, transformational grant designed to “reach the summit” on a critical path to a breakthrough in basic or translational science that has direct relevance to human health. It must include an institutionally funded graduate student or fellow. Engagement of multi-disciplinary investigators or pharma is highly desirable. This award is for $200,000 per year for four years based on yearly milestone review.


Innovators Award
Proposals due October 23, 2024

The Innovators Award is for faculty members to explore an innovative concept that has applicability to improving human health. Examples include fundamental research, clinical research, diagnostic tests, biomarkers, biomedical engineering advances, and imaging advances. This award is for $100,000 over two years ($50,000 per year).


Career Development Award
Proposals due October 23, 2024

The Career Development Award is designed to support investigators early in their career to obtain preliminary data in a key concept area that has high potential to lead to extended funding from NIH, EU, and other large research funding sources. This award is for $100,000 over two years ($50,000 per year).


Victor McKusick Fellowship
Proposals due January 29, 2025

This Victor McKusick Fellowship is designed to support postdoctoral fellows embarking on a scientific career in biomedical research related to Marfan syndrome or any of the genetic aortic or vascular conditions that are within the Foundation’s scope of interest. This award is for $150,000 for an MD or $100,000 for a PhD over two years ($75,000 or $50,000 per year). Fellows up to postgraduate year six are eligible. During the fellowship phase, the applicant is required to work with a mentor who can provide a training environment conducive to beginning a career in this field. 


For further information, please contact Lauren May, MPH, Director of Research, at lmay@marfan.org.


Funded Grants: 2014-2023

Click here for a list of 2014-2023 research grants funded through our research program.