PTEN Research funds research that will lead to new and better treatments for PHTS.
Established in 2017, we are the only UK-based global medical research charity that is dedicated to developing targeted therapies to treat PHTS. Our goal is to improve the quality of life of those affected by PHTS by providing new and better treatment options, and by creating an evidence base from which to develop better care and management.
Below are the main areas of research that PTEN Research supports. For more information on our scientific strategy, click here.
Strategic Priorities
We are focusing on the assessment of the rapalog drug class to develop treatment options for specific symptoms of PHTS which may bring meaningful benefit to patients.
We are also interested in testing alternative therapy options to rapalogs. To identify such alternatives, we are interested in the development of in vitro and in vivo models of PHTS. This will support research to identify and/or validate cellular drug targets with the aim of generating evidence to justify clinical testing.
We want to improve the understanding of the risk of cancer in PHTS, and how those with PHTS who develop cancer respond to currently available cancer treatments. We also want to investigate ways to improve the screening and detection of malignancies in PHTS.
We will support research to address key unknowns of PHTS relating to its pathobiology, complete clinical spectrum, epidemiology, and the unmet need.
How do we fund?
We provide grants through three mechanisms:
Targeted calls – The Foundation will periodically request applications for proposals to address specific research questions through targeted calls. There are currently no open targeted calls accepting applications. For more information on these opportunities and how to apply please see 'Targeted Calls' below.
Applications for seed funding–The Foundationwelcomes requests for seed funding of novel research ideas for preliminary data generation or for small research projects.For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see 'Applications for seed funding' below.
Innovation Awards - If you have an interesting idea or project that you feel aligns with the Foundation’s strategic research focus and would like to be discuss funding opportunities outside of those outlined above, please see 'Innovation Awards' below.
What do we fund?
We fund research projects that can translate into better treatments for PHTS patients. This includes clinical research studies, interventional clinical trials, preclinical/translational research projects and, where appropriate, basic research projects.
Funding is intended to support all essential direct costs relating to the project, including staffing, consumables, equipment, travel and publication costs.
Who do we fund?
Eligibility to apply for funding is not restricted to any specific geography.
In general, PTEN Research awards grants to Principal Investigators who have qualified with an MD or PhD and have an established research programme in a recognised academic or clinical research institution. Seed funding may be awarded to sufficiently qualified researchers currently associated with an academic or clinical research institution.
Non-academic entities may also be eligible to apply for grant funding depending on the grant call.
For any further clarification or questions relating to our eligibility criteria, please contact research@ptenresearch.org.
The application process
Applications should be made in line with requirements detailed for the specific call. There are currently no open targeted calls accepting applications. Targeted calls will be announced on our website, social media and other appropriate platforms. To keep up to date on our targeted call opportunities consider signing up to our newsletter.
PTEN Research will acknowledge the submission of application within a week of receipt. All applications will be checked for completion. If an application does not meet the mandatory eligibility criteria, as specified by the targeted call, it will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
All applications will undergo scientific, budgetary and programmatic assessment by our scientific research team followed by external peer review by a minimum of two independent experts. Applicants will be provided with feedback on their application and will have an opportunity to respond to any specific questions raised.
All applications are assessed by our Scientific Advisory Board before the final funding decision is made by our Trustee Board.
To be eligible to apply for a Seed Funding award, applications should not exceed 15,000 GBP (or equivalent in local currency at the date of submission) and, in general, not exceed a duration of 1 year. In addition to the costs excluded here, Seed Funding awards are not intended to cover staffing costs.
PTEN Research will acknowledge the submission of applications within a week of receipt. All applications will be checked for completion and, where necessary, applicants may be contacted for further clarification on the specifics of the application prior to review. If an application does not meet the mandatory eligibility criteria for seed funding, it will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
Applications will be reviewed twice a year by the internal scientific team. The final funding agreement will be agreed by our Trustee Board.
Funding decisions will be made in April and October of each year. To be considered for the next application review date, applications must be submitted by the 15th of March or the 15th of September.
For any further clarification or questions relating to our application process, please contact research@ptenresearch.org.
Successful seed funding awardees are welcome, upon the completion of the award, to seek follow-on funding via an innovation award.
Outside of the processes discussed above, the Foundation remains open to new opportunities. To be considered for funding opportunities, applicants may contact the Foundation discuss their ideas by emailing us at research@ptenresearch.org or complete the short (3-page) project proposal form.
Only projects that represent exceptional research opportunities that are aligned with the Foundation’s research strategy will be requested for a full grant application form, which will be subject to internal review, external peer review, SAB and Trustee review. Timelines associated with the review of applications will be provided upon submission of grant applications.
For any further clarification or questions relating to our application process, please contact research@ptenresearch.org.