#United Kingdom #Oxford #Cleveland #Rare Disease

Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre Announces 2026 Scholar Award

The Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre (OHC), a collaborative initiative between the University of Oxford and Harrington Discovery Institute situated in Cleveland, Ohio, is excited to announce the call for proposals for its 2026 Rare Disease Scholar Award. This esteemed award is designed to fast-track groundbreaking therapeutic discoveries from academic research into actual clinical applications.

As the demand for innovative treatments for rare diseases grows, the 2026 Rare Disease Scholar Award aims to support research projects that demonstrate originality and feasibility in addressing medical challenges associated with rare conditions. The scholarship doesn't just provide financial backing; it also includes expert guidance in drug and business development, helping researchers navigate the complexities of bringing their ideas to market.

Who Can Apply?

Researchers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada are welcome to submit proposals for this prestigious award. Projects that are particularly appealing will focus on therapeutic strategies aimed at neurological disorders, uncommon cancers, as well as developmental and metabolic disorders. Key areas of interest include technologies that exhibit potential for rapid clinical translation and applications that leverage validated methodologies.

Notably, the award facilitates funding opportunities that extend beyond just the initial grant, ensuring that successful applicants have the ongoing support they need throughout the development process.

Award Details

Awardees will receive significant benefits, including:

• - A guaranteed grant of $100,000 (USD) for participants based in the US and Canada, and £100,000 (GBP) for UK researchers.
• - Comprehensive therapeutics development support for one year, with an option for a second year depending on the accomplishment of predefined milestones.
• - Access to essential facilities and infrastructures such as oligonucleotide synthesis, compound screening, and cutting-edge cell and gene therapy resources.
• - The possibility to compete for additional acceleration funds up to $300,000 (USD) or £250,000 (GBP) based on project needs.
• - An opportunity to qualify for investment funding of up to $1,000,000 (USD) based on the requirements of the proposed project.
• - An invite to present findings at a symposium organized by either the Harrington Discovery Institute or the Oxford-Harrington Centre.

One of the unique aspects of this award is the retention of intellectual property rights by the recipients or their affiliated institutions, ensuring that researchers maintain autonomy over their innovations. The selection of awardees will be conducted by the OHC Scientific Advisory Council, with up to 10 scholars expected to be chosen. Announcements regarding the selected proposals will be made in October 2026, allowing ample time for researchers to prepare their submissions.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting a full application is set for March 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Interested applicants can find more information and begin the application process at OxfordHarrington.org/Award.

In a world where rare diseases often take a backseat in research funding, initiatives like the 2026 Rare Disease Scholar Award by the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre shine a light on the necessity for innovation in therapeutic strategies. By encouraging novel solutions and providing critical resources, this initiative aims to catalyze a transformation in how rare diseases are approached and treated in clinical settings.