TDD RESEARCH

PATHWAYS GRANT

The TDD Research Pathways Grant supports early-career investigators, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and clinical or research fellows, who are dedicated to advancing TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder (TDD) research and improving TANGO2 warrior outcomes.

This program provides funding for pilot studies & innovative research projects encouraging participation in TDD-focused initiatives while fostering mentorship, collaboration, and professional development within the T2RF research community. Awardees gain opportunities to contribute to multidisciplinary efforts that advance translational research, clinical care, and patient-centered outcomes.

Through investment in emerging scientists, researchers, and clinicians, the TDD Research Pathways Grant aims to cultivate the next generation of TDD investigators and accelerate meaningful discoveries for the global TDD community.

Award Details

  • Funding period: 1 year 
  • Amount of award (USD): Up to $15,000
  • One application permitted per applicant

Timeline: 2026 

  • Public Notice: July 1, 2026
  • Deadline for Questions: August 18, 2026
  • Deadline for Applications: October 2, 2026, 5:00 pm EST 
  • Estimated Notice of Awards: December 4, 2026
  • Project Start Date: January 1, 2027 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants worldwide are eligible to apply and must meet the following criteria:

  1. Mentorship and Institutional Support

          Applicants must demonstrate:

  • A clear commitment to research aligned with the proposed project
  • Appropriate institutional support
  • Identification of a qualified mentor (an individual that has relevant contributions to TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder (TDD) or rare disease research (e.g., publications, presentations, or collaborations) who will provide active supervision and guidance throughout the project period
  1. TDD Research Contributions and Commitment

          Applicants must demonstrate:

  • Relevant contributions to TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder (TDD) or rare disease research (e.g., publications, presentations, or collaborations), and/or a strong foundational interest in the field
  • A clear plan for future research and meaningful contributions to advancing TANGO2 research
  1. Eligible Applicants 

        Eligibility is inclusive of applicants across training levels and geographic locations. The scope of the proposed project and level of independence should                             be appropriate to the applicant’s stage of training.

  • Early-Career Investigators

Applicants with a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree who are engaged in postdoctoral research at an academic institution, teaching hospital, or nonprofit research institute; and:

  • Within 10 years of obtaining their doctoral degree at the time of application, or
  • Within 5 years of initiating rare disease research
  • Trainees (Undergraduate, Graduate, and Medical)

Individuals currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate, graduate (e.g., Masters, PhD or equivalent), or medical training program (including residency or clinical/research fellowship) are eligible to apply.

  • Transitional Applicants

Current PhD candidates who will begin a postdoctoral appointment at a nonprofit institution no later than July 1, 2026 are eligible to apply.

  • Appointment Requirement

For postdoctoral applicants, the appointment must extend through the full one-year funding period.

     The T2RF is committed to increasing the diversity of the scientific workforce and encourage applications by researchers from underrepresented or historically excluded populations, those based outside of the U.S., not previously funded by the T2RF, as well as Early Stage Investigators as defined by the National Institute of Health (NIH).