ALS Finding a Cure® is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support innovative research projects leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to advance ALS discovery. This funding opportunity seeks to catalyze transformative research that integrates AI-driven methodologies to improve diagnosis, biomarker identification, disease progression modeling, and therapeutic target discovery in ALS.
Background:
ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with no cure and limited therapeutic options. AI and NLP offer the potential to revolutionize ALS research by enabling the extraction of meaningful insights from complex datasets, including electronic health records (EHRs), published medical literature, clinical trial data, omics datasets, and real-world patient-reported data. Through this RFP, we aim to support high-impact projects that will enhance our understanding of ALS and accelerate novel therapeutic strategies.
Examples of large data sources include but are not limited to:
Answer ALS, ALS Compute, UK Bio Bank. ProACT, NeuroBank, Project MINE
Scope of the RFP:
We invite applications proposing AI and/or NLP-based approaches to address critical challenges in ALS research. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
Data Subtypes: Use of AI technology to separate ALS from Controls and to find ALS subtypes in the Answer ALS data set by combining clinical, biomarker, genetic and motor neuron omics data.
Funding and Award Information:
Application Timeline:
Project Start Date: Wednesday October 1, 2025
Review Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
Your proposal should align closely with ALSFAC’s current Request for Proposals (RFPs), such as:
AI/NLP-driven projects targeting drug discovery, early diagnosis, biomarker identification, or disease modeling
Early-diagnostics innovation, employing digital, imaging, electrophysiologic, or molecular strategies
Seek transformative impact: e.g., accelerating diagnosis, improving patient stratification, or uncovering therapeutic targets.
Use relevant ALS data platforms (e.g., Answer ALS, UK Biobank, ProACT) to support mechanistic and biomarker insights
ALSFAC favors collaborations that pair disease experts with computational/AI specialists, and/or clinicians, biostatisticians, and patient advocates
Prior successful grants (e.g., Arrest ALS, Answer ALS) show robust multi-institutional and multidisciplinary leadership
Include detailed project timelines and defined milestones tied to funding phases (e.g., LOI → full proposal).
Demonstrate access to data and infrastructure required for execution
Budget up to US $400 K over 2 years (AI/NLP RFP) or $500 K over 3 years (Early Diagnostics), including ≤15% indirect costs
Ensure itemization aligns with ALSFAC guidelines and is supported by justification in full proposal
Stage 1 (LOI): Focus on clarity, innovation, team strength—supported by strong Letter of Interest
Stage 2 (Full Proposal): Includes detailed study plan, budget, CVs, data-access confirmation, and human-readable abstract for lay audiences
Open worldwide—academic, clinical, and industry groups are all eligible; partnerships across sectors are encouraged
Predictor | Action Plan |
---|---|
Strategic fit | Map proposal to current RFP objectives (AI/NLP or diagnostics) |
High-impact science | Emphasize clinical relevance, biomarkers, or drug targets |
Multidisciplinary team | Partner disease experts with AI, clinical, and statistical collaborators |
Feasibility & milestones | Provide clear plans and confirm access to data infrastructure |
Budget compliance | Adhere to funding caps and justify all costs, including indirects |
Two-phase readiness | Draft strong LOI (≤2 pages), prepare full proposal content for next stage |
Global & sector inclusion | Involve international and translational collaborators |
🔧 Pro Tips for ASLFAC Applications:
Submit a concise, compelling LOI (max 2 pages): highlight innovation, team strengths, and expected impact.
Showcase your access to key data platforms like Answer ALS or EHR datasets.
Partner early with AI/NLP experts—interdisciplinary teams are critical.
Plan detailed milestones with measurable deliverables and associated costs.
Use clear language in abstract and lay summary — proposals may be shared publicly.
Follow stage deadlines precisely—LOI due May 23, 2025; full proposals typically due in August
Pharmaceutical & Clinical Collaboration: Synergistic collaboration between industry and institutions with data-driven models encouraged
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: ALS Finding A Cure (ASLFAC)
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 1014 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 105 Boynton Beach, FL 33426
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Aug 08, 2025
$400,000
Affiliation: ALS Finding A Cure (ASLFAC)
Address: 1014 Gateway Boulevard, Suite 105 Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Website URL: https://www.alsfindingacure.org/2025-als-finding-a-cure-request-for-proposals/
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.