Applications open for Drug Discovery Initiative Program

Deadline: 02-Feb-2026

The Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) invites applications for its Drug Discovery Initiative to fund research on novel or repurposed therapies and NF target validation. The program supports projects worldwide, providing up to $200,000 over two years, with a strong emphasis on open science, data sharing, and translational relevance to advance neurofibromatosis (NF) drug discovery.

Overview of the Program

The Drug Discovery Initiative (DDI) aims to accelerate neurofibromatosis (NF) drug discovery by supporting:

• Novel or repurposed therapeutic compounds

• Validation of new or previously suggested NF targets

• Early-stage testing prioritizing shelved compounds with existing clinical safety data

• Use of public datasets and robust target engagement strategies

The program emphasizes rigorous scientific design, translational relevance, and alignment with the NF Open Science Initiative.

Who is Eligible

• Researchers worldwide in academic or private sectors

• Holders of MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees from recognized institutions

• Must have full access to required in vivo and in vitro resources, or identified collaborators providing access

• No citizenship restrictions

All applicants must have a personal ORCID ID and designate CTF as a trusted partner to facilitate application processing and data integration.

Funding Details

• Total budget: $200,000

• Project duration: Up to 2 years

• Funding is intended for early-stage drug testing or NF target validation with translational potential

Key Focus Areas

• Early-stage testing of novel or repurposed compounds

• Rigorous validation of NF targets using robust methodologies

• Leveraging existing clinical safety data for shelved compounds

• Translational relevance, including potential clinical pathways or model system validation

• Commitment to open science and data sharing via the NF Data Portal

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Application

Include:

• Lay abstract and scientific abstract

• Cover letter and research proposal

• Milestones, timelines, and citations

• Open access research output statement

• Biographical sketch, budget justification, data sharing plan, and patent policy documentation

Step 2: Draft Research Proposal

Clearly outline:

• Aims and rationale

• Experimental design and preliminary data

• Statistical considerations

• Milestones and timelines

• Available resources

• Translational relevance and potential path to clinic

Step 3: Submit Online

• Submit via Proposal Central

• Ensure completeness and adherence to formatting and content requirements

• Align with NF Open Science Initiative for data sharing commitments

Open Science and Data Sharing Requirements

• Awardees must share annotated key data through the NF Data Portal

• Embargo period up to 12 months following project completion

• Open access dissemination of research outputs is strongly encouraged

• Applicants should demonstrate willingness to share outputs from prior work

Evaluation Process

• DDI Program Committee, external expert reviewers, patient reviewers, and a dedicated statistical review

• Funding recommendations based on:

  • Impact and feasibility

  • Transparency of experimental design

  • Budget alignment

  • Applicant qualifications

  • Clinical translatability

  • Readiness for open science practices

• Final approval by CTF Board of Directors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete applications or missing mandatory documents

• Weak experimental design or unclear translational relevance

• Failure to demonstrate access to required research resources

• Lack of commitment to open science and data sharing

• Overlooking milestones, timelines, or statistical considerations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
Researchers worldwide in academic or private sectors with MD, PhD, or equivalent degrees.

2. What is the funding limit?
Up to $200,000 for projects up to 2 years.

3. What types of projects are prioritized?
Early-stage testing of novel or repurposed NF compounds and rigorous NF target validation.

4. Is open science required?
Yes, awardees must share annotated data via the NF Data Portal and commit to open access dissemination.

5. Are there citizenship restrictions?
No, applicants from any country are eligible.

6. Where are applications submitted?
Through Proposal Central, following all formatting and content guidelines.

7. How are applications evaluated?
By a committee of experts, patient reviewers, and statisticians, focusing on impact, feasibility, translational potential, and alignment with open science practices.

Conclusion

The CTF Drug Discovery Initiative Program offers a significant opportunity to advance NF drug discovery worldwide. By funding early-stage testing of therapeutic compounds and validating NF targets, the program enables researchers to accelerate translational research. Strong adherence to rigorous experimental design, translational relevance, and open science principles ensures that funded projects contribute meaningfully to the global effort to develop effective NF therapies.

For more information, visit Children’s Tumor Foundation.