2026 Jon Blais Grant for ALS Research

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The Jonathan S. Blais ALS Research Fund is administered by the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank and is made possible by a generous gift from the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. The Blazeman Foundation for ALS is a family foundation established by Jon “Blazeman” Blais following his diagnosis of ALS. A passionate triathlete, Jon committed himself to raising funds to support ALS awareness and research through his continued participation in triathlons, including his heroic completion of the Hawaii Ironman World Championship 2005 competition well into the onset of his disease.

The Jon Blais Grant for ALS Research makes an annual award of $50,000 to the successful applicant performing advanced stage research on ALS treatments or cures.  Applications will be reviewed by a panel of ALS physicians and scientists with an eye towards feasibility, and the potential to advance in human studies. Although proposed animal studies are not prohibited, the goal of these funds is to support research that is closer to translational than basic science.

The grant awardee agrees that:

1. Any published studies which include data issuing from the funded project will acknowledge the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank, Jon Blais Grant for ALS Research;
2. Any filed or issued patents, in the United States or abroad, or any products developed, based in whole or in part on any research or data generated from the awarded research, shall acknowledge the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank, Jonathan S. Blais ALS Research Fund in any publication, marketing, or promotional materials directed towards the public; and
3. A final report of no more than two pages will be submitted to the University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank at the contact listed below within 60 days of award completion, detailing the results or progress made through the award.

Eligibility

• Applicant must hold a PhD or MD
• Applicant must hold a position as a Research Associate, Assistant Professor, or Associate Professor.

Budget Information

• The total award shall not exceed $50,000 total.
• The award is for a period of one year.
• Overhead costs are not allowed.
• Salary support is restricted to technical and clinical research staff.

Submission and Review

• E-MAIL ALL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS AS A SINGLE PDF FILE TO: kaanderson@som.umaryland.edu
• Electronic submission of the completed application must be received by 12 p.m., Friday, January 9, 2026
• All applicants will be notified of review determinations during the first quarter of 2026

For Questions

Thomas Blanchard, PhD, JD
Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Director, University of Maryland Brain and Tissue Bank
tblanchard@som.umaryland.edu
(410) 706-6914

Application Outline

Application Title Page

• Title of proposal
• Principal Investigator (First name, Last name, Degree)
  • Academic Appointment
  • Department & institute
  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
• Institution’s Federal Tax ID #
• Institutional Authorization - Name and Position

Scientific abstract (500 word limit)

Lay abstract (250 word limit)

NIH style biosketch (5 page max)

Letter of reference/confirmation of support from the institution, commonly from the applicant’s dean, chair, director or mentor.

Specific Aims (1 page limit)

Research proposal (5 page limit)

• Background and significance
• Research strategy
• Preliminary data
• Experimental design
• Expected results
• Challenges and alternative strategies

Future directions towards clinical application (250 word limit)

Budget Justification

Other sources of research support (Address any possible overlap with this proposal)