Today and tomorrow, Cure SMA’s Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) will be meeting in Washington D.C.
Our Scientific Advisory Board is a recognized group of experts in SMA and motor neuron biology. They provide strategic and practical guidance in shaping our research programs.
This meeting will focus on two main priorities: awarding up to $700,000 in new basic research funding, and planning the 2015 SMA Researcher Meeting.
Basic Research Funding
Basic research is the critical first step in the research process. It investigates the causes and biology of SMA, often revealing new and more effective ways of making drugs. Earlier this year, we issued a basic research request for proposals, which is an invitation for scientists to submit their best ideas for SMA basic research.
This meeting is the culmination of the SAB’s evaluation process for these proposals. They’re looking to see which projects have a well constructed study plan, and answer the most pressing questions about SMA. Most importantly, they are looking for the projects that show the most promise in getting us closer to our goal of a treatment and cure for SMA.
In early 2015, we will award up to $700,000 in new funding to the best proposals, based on the SAB’s evaluations.
SMA Researcher Meeting
The SMA Researcher Meeting is held each June as part of our Annual SMA Conference. Part of the SAB’s role is to set the agenda for the SMA Researcher Meeting. They’ll determine which topics are most timely and relevant for SMA researchers.
Society for Neuroscience Meeting
Why Washington D.C.? In addition to being a center for research, industry, and government, Washington D.C. is also the site of this year’s Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, which will be held over the weekend.
Jill Jarecki, Cure SMA’s research director, and several of our SAB members will be staying through the Society for Neuroscience meetings to network with other researchers, share their own findings, and attend presentations.
Early next week, we’ll be sharing some of the most exciting SMA-related developments from this meeting.
Our thanks to the SAB for all their hard work and expertise.