Translational Research Program

To date, over 550 specific genetic defects have been identified, which have not only helped advance new therapies, but have also been instrumental in advancing our understanding of immunology. It is estimated that as many as 10 million people, if not more, are living with Primary Immunodeficiency worldwide. As such, it is crucial to support research that will bridge basic scientific discoveries to the development of clinical applications that will impact overall health outcomes. Advancing research that enhances our understanding of the immune system represents one of the single greatest strategies that biomedical science has to offer to identify new therapies and will greatly benefit those living with diagnosed Primary Immunodeficiencies as well as the millions of people that remain undiagnosed.

Purpose

• To support innovative and novel investigations in Primary Immunodeficiency focusing on translational research leading to meaningful clinical application.
• To advance the growing knowledge of genotype-phenotype correlations and gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of immune function and dysfunction.
• To support research that will lead to advancement in clinical recognition, diagnostic tools, and innovative therapies that will impact overall health outcomes and improve the quality of life of those affected by Primary Immunodeficiency.

Eligibility

Grants with the following focus will be strongly considered for awards:

• Novel Primary Immunodeficiency defects
• Innovative approaches to early diagnosis - Novel therapeutic strategies
• Translational impact on patient health (i.e., how a patient will benefit)
• Reach of the proposed project (i.e., how many patients might benefit)
• Projects that currently do not have funding and would be otherwise difficult to advance without this award

The Jeffrey Modell Foundation encourages all international and U.S. investigators with the appropriate knowledge and research skill level to apply for this grant. Applications submitted by investigators with vast expertise in Primary Immunodeficiency, as well as young investigators with robust scientific merit will be considered. JMF encourages investigators who are not currently receiving funding from the National Institutes of Health to apply. Only one active grant per investigator is permitted at a time. See the list of historic award recipients and proposal titles here.

All applications will be comprehensively reviewed and evaluated by the Jeffrey Modell Centers Network Peer Review Research Committee. The committee will provide an impact score for individual applications based on:

• Innovation
• Originality
• Feasibility
• Justification of requested budget
• Translational applicability
• Relevance to Primary Immunodeficiency
• Relevance to advancement of the work

Award Information

The number of awards per cycle will be dependent on the strength and merit of applications received and the availability of funds. Individual awards may total up to $250,000 over a two-year period. Funds are not to exceed $125,000 per year per project. Total funds will only support direct costs and cannot be used for institutional overhead. JMF reserves the right to reduce the award amount for any application. To date, a total of 26 grants have been awarded throughout 13 grant cycles.

Application Deadlines

• Cycle 14 Start Date - January 19, 2026
• Letter of Intent Deadline - March 13, 2026
• Full Application Deadline (for invited investigators) - July 24, 2026
• Grant Awards - By December 1, 2026

Application Process:

There is a two-step application process.

To participate in the application process, a Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted through ProposalCentral by March 13, 2026.

• The LOI form can be accessed on ProposalCentral: Access LOI Form
• For instructions on how to register as a ProposalCentral user: View Registration Guide

Following the submission of a LOI, investigators will be notified by June 1, 2026 as to whether they've been invited to submit a full grant application. Detailed instructions on how to submit a full application through ProposalCentral or by mail will be provided at this time.

All inquiries and logistical questions should be submitted to the Jeffrey Modell Foundation's Scientific Director at research@jmfworld.org.