The purpose of this call for proposals is to fund:
Basic and preclinical research projects focused on rare genetic diseases of proven genetic origin, whether monogenic or polygenic. The research project funded by FRRB must highlight the transferability of the results to the Regional Health Service, taking into account any ethical and social implications.
Projects may be submitted in one of the following tracks:
- Track BASIC RESEARCH
Focused on identifying pathological mechanisms and/or targets
Sub-topics:
Step 0: Genetic knowledge: identification of causative and modifier genes.
Step 1: Identification of fundamental concepts and principles; analysis of the disease and the pathophysiological mechanisms involved.
Step 2: Identification of a potential therapeutic target for the disease (in this context, “druggable” refers to the ability of a target to be modulated by a therapeutic approach). The target must play a crucial role in the pathological process, and its modulation, whether pharmacological or genetic, could be beneficial to patients.
Step 3: Validation of the target using an appropriate model/system.
- Track PRECLINICAL PROOF OF CONCEPT
Focused on identifying and/or validating potential therapeutic approaches
Sub-themes:
Step 4: Identification of therapeutic strategy (e.g., small molecules, biologics, advanced therapies, etc.) showing functional effect on the target; new technologies for therapeutic development.
Step 5: In vitro and/or in vivo studies demonstrating therapeutic efficacy in an appropriate disease model/system.
Expected results: identification of identified and/or validated therapeutic candidate(s); further developable results and publications.
Recipients of the grant may be either individual beneficiaries or partnerships composed of a maximum of two entities chosen from among ASSTs, Health Protection Agencies (ATS), Regional Emergency Agencies (AREU), public and private IRCCS, universities, and research organizations, all with operational headquarters in Lombardy.
If the project is presented in partnership, the role of lead entity may be assumed by an ASST, an ATS, or a public or private IRCCS.
Researchers affiliated with the Telethon Foundation’s research institutes (i.e., TIGEM and SR-TIGET) are not eligible.
Maximum contribution per project:
For the BASIC RESEARCH Track: €240,000
For the PRECLINICAL CONCEPT PROOF Track: €360,000
Projects may last 24 or 36 months.
Each participant must cover at least 15% of the total project costs.
All information on participation requirements can be found in the text of the call for proposals, the Guidelines, and the documents attached to it in the “Documents to download” section.
Project proposals can be submitted via the new Telethon Platform, which can be accessed at the following address: https://fondazionetelethon.eu-1.smartsimple.eu/s_Login.jsp the document entitled USO PIATTAFORMA_ Guidelines for Applicants_MR2025 provides information on how to access the Platform and complete the LoI and Full Proposal.
Decreto DG n. 29_2025: PUBLICATION AND SIMULTANEOUS OPENING OF THE JOINT CALL FOR PROPOSALS WITH THE TELETHON FOUNDATION ENTITLED “MULTI-ROUND CALL FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS 2025–2027 – ROUND I.”
Decreto DG n. 89_2025: AMENDMENT TO THE TEXT OF THE CALL FOR PROPOSALS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE JOINT CALL WITH THE TELETHON FOUNDATION ENTITLED “MULTI-ROUND CALL FOR RESEARCH PROJECTS 2025–2027 – ROUND I”.
Please note that there has been a change to the Call for Proposals and Guidelines following adjustments to the Telethon Foundation’s IT platform. Please refer to the updated versions of the documents indicated (specifically on page 5_Budget of the Call for Proposals and on page 16, chapter B.6 of the guidelines).
N.B. All attachments to the Call for Proposals and Guidelines are for information purposes only. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the Telethon Foundation platform.