CHDI supports investigator-initiated research through two mechanisms: the Early Discovery Initiative and Research Submissions. Applications are welcome from scientists working in academic and industrial laboratories.

Our Early Discovery Initiative supports short exploratory projects with the goal of identifying novel targets or pathogenic mechanisms. We encourage applications from junior investigators and researchers working in laboratories not currently supported by CHDI. Our goal is to make a funding decision about an Early Discovery Initiative proposal within one month of our receipt of the completed proposal.

Research Submissions may be directed toward the validation of prospective therapeutic targets, the development of new tools and infrastructure for Huntington’s disease research including animal models of the disease, biomarkers of disease progression, in vitro and in vivo assays, the delivery of therapeutic agents (e.g., across the blood-brain barrier) or the exploitation of emerging technologies such as stem-cell biology.

All of our support is provided by way of negotiated contracts that specify the experiments that the investigator proposes to perform, including defined milestones and timelines. Payments are contingent on the submission and acceptance of progress reports that document the achievement of those milestones. Investigator-initiated research may become the basis for long-term partnerships with CHDI.

The Early Discovery Initiative page explains the submission process for this program. The Research Submissions page outlines the process for all other projects. Proposals for both programs are accepted on an ongoing basis.

We also collaborate with biotech and pharmaceutical companies interested in developing treatments for HD. Interested parties should contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .