What are the main factors you consider when evaluating applications?

The three main factors we take into account in our evaluation process are:

1. Is the proposed research scientifically sound?
2. If the applicant is seeking a technology grant, is the proposed research a good fit with the technology?
3. What are the prospects for this research to lead to actual treatments for a rare disease?

How does your evaluation process work?

A team of expert scientists from the Rare Genomics Institute, all with at least a Ph.D. or MD, conduct an initial review of the applications, and narrow the applications down to a short list for each prize. The short list with RG’s analysis of applications is presented to the sponsors, and each company selects the final winner/winners for the prize that they sponsored.

How long will it take to hear back on whether my application was successful?

Decisions are usually announced roughly one month after the application deadline.

Is there a timeline for when my project must be completed by?

We understand that projects take time, and do not place any set deadlines on when winners must complete their research using our technology grants. But please be aware that in the grant application, you will be required to state a timeline for your research. Applications that do not give a clear timeline for when research will begin, or that seek to delay their use of the requested technology, are unlikely to be scored highly.

What is your definition of a rare disease for the purposes of this grant?

BeHEARD defines a rare disease as one that affects fewer than 200,000 people annually in the United States. A list can be found on the [NIH website][1]. In addition, you may define your disease based on specific mutations/variants which we would accept as rare even if it is not on the NIH list.

Are organizations located outside of the U.S. eligible to apply?

Yes! This competition is open to researchers and foundations globally. In fact, in every BeHEARD Competition, we have awarded grants to people in multiple countries.

Are for-profit companies working on rare diseases eligible to apply?

BeHEARD does not prohibit for-profit companies from applying. However, our company sponsors make the final decision on winners, and some of them may prefer to direct their donation to a non-profit entity.

Are there any conditions attached to this grant?

Some of our technology sponsors require that the winner agree to have their name and research featured in press releases on their donation. Some technology sponsors also ask that their technology grant be acknowledged in any publications resulting from the use of the technology. When this is required, it will be noted in the grant descriptions on the BeHEARD website so that applicants are aware prior to applying. All winners are required by BeHEARD to complete a short (~10 minutes) survey approximately one year after the competition to give an update on their research. These responses may be featured in the “Recap” section of our website.

Does the sponsoring company that donates the technology get any rights to distribution, use, or funds from any discovery as a result of winning the technology?

No, we do not accept technology sponsors that place these types of conditions on their donation.

I’m not an expert in science, but I still want to apply for a grant that will support research for my rare disease. Can you help me?

Yes! Individuals who are afflicted with a rare disease, or who have a family member who is, can ask for help from our team at Rare Genomics by emailing [beheard@raregenomics.org][2]. Our scientists will work with our academic network to find researchers who are working on your rare disease, or similar diseases, and may be willing to develop a research proposal tailored towards your disease. For an example of a parent who won a BeHEARD grant for research on her child’s rare disease, check out Jill Wood’s story on our [Recap page][3].

How do I sign up to be notified when the BeHEARD Competition opens for applications each year?

Sign up on our contest updates page [here][4].

How do I contact you with questions?

Please email us at [beheard@raregenomics.org][2]. [1]: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/ [4]: https://www.raregenomics.org/contest-updates [3]: https://www.raregenomics.org/recap-since-2013 [2]: mailto:beheard@raregenomics.org