The Autoimmunity, Rasmussen’s, Inflammation & Status Epilepticus research Network (ARISEN) invites applications for pilot research projects that accelerate clinical research in rare diseases aligned with the consortium’s mission. ARISEN includes autoimmune encephalitis, Rasmussen syndrome, and new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE), including its subtype with prior fever, Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES). 
 
The program aims to:
  • Generate preliminary data to support future extramural funding (e.g., NIH R01/U01/U54) related to the above disorders in any manner, including etiology, pathophysiology, overlap and distinctions, best management, and prognostication.
  • Develop or validate tools such as biomarkers, endpoints, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).
  • Foster multidisciplinary, multi-center collaborations across RDCRN sites and patient advocacy groups (PAGs).
 
This ARISEN Pilot Award complements the ARISEN Early-Stage Investigator Research Fund Award, which is limited to Early Stage Investigators as defined by the NIH or to investigators new to the rare disease field. Both ARISEN pilot opportunities follow the same application submission and annual award cycle. Applicants may only apply to one funding mechanism per cycle.
 
Letter of Intent Due: March 6, 2026
Invitation to Submit Full Application: March 13, 2026
Application Due: April 23, 2026
Anticipated Award Notification: June 16, 2026
Anticipated Project Period Start Date: August 1, 2026
More info: https://grants.rarediseasesnetwork.org/grants/ARISEN-PG-2026
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