Call For T21RS Support For the Organization of Scientific and Dissemination Events

Aim
This program is designed to contribute to the funding of scientific meetings and events, which will contribute to increase the public visibility of Down syndrome research and of T21RS. The activities have to be targeting a wide audience and the activities may range from local activities on specific topics to multidisciplinary activities with a strong international participation.

Funding
T21RS will fund 10 applications of a maximum amount of 500€. Eligible expenses: speaker travel and housing, venue and or equipment rental, catering etc. Organizers could use the T21RS zoom platform in case of virtual meetings.

Requisites
– The main applicant must be a full T21RS member who has paid the membership fee.
– This requirement must be met until the activity is finished and all payments settled.
– The main topic of the presentation must be dissemination and promotion of Down syndrome research (e.g. WDSD activities, scientific events…).
– Activities not open to external/broader audiences, such as institutional meetings, consortium meetings or grant writing meetings, will not be supported.
– The affiliated research group/institute/university of the T21RS member can only request this
– T21RS grant once per year, in non-consecutive calls.
– Founding members can participate supporting an event as co-applicants.
– Executive Board members are not eligible.

Evaluation criteria
Scientific excellence: the scientific experience of the applicant/s, proposed speaker/s, and members of the Scientific Committee (if any) of the proposal will be evaluated.
Program: the focus of the activity will be evaluated based on the topic, timeliness, and the multidisciplinary aspects. A well-defined scientific or dissemination program is required.
Confirmation of speakers’ participation will be positively considered.
Activities taking place on World Down Syndrome Day or addressed to the lay public will be positively evaluated, but other activities can also be considered. Activities aimed at increasing visibility of Down syndrome research in countries that have few researchers dedicated to this topic will be also positively evaluated. T21RS encourages young researchers to apply.
Budget: the availability of co-financing by other sources will be positively evaluated. The event cannot have taken place yet or be scheduled before the announcement of the resolution of the grant (October 10th, 2025).

How to apply
The proposals will be sent to T21RS (info@t21rs.org) including the following:
– Activity title
– Date and place
– Summary of the activity
– Scientific or society program
– List of members of the Organizing and Scientific committee (if any)
– Short CV of applicants (1-page maximum), including the activities or publications most relevant for the proposal
– Detailed budget of the activity. Co-funding from additional sources that ensure the financial viability of the proposal should also be described

Evaluation
The T21RS executive board will evaluate the scientific quality of proposals and the Treasurer will approve the funding. The main applicant will be notified via email as provided in the application.
Acceptance of the funding implies that the awardees agree to:
– Include the T21RS logo in all merchandising, advertising, and media.
– Include a presentation (power point) of T21RS in the event
– Use the grant to cover expenses related to the event.
– Return the grant if, for any reason, the event is cancelled.
– Compile a report of the activity that includes pictures and a financial report, to be sent to T21RS for uploading on the T21RS website.

Payment
A single payment by bank transfer will be done in the account indicated by the main applicant to T21RS (info@t21rs.org) once the activity has been carried out. Exceptionally, the executive committee may consider payment in advance. The T21RS reimbursement form has to be completed fully.

Justification
The activity report should be sent to T21RS (info@t21rs.org) within one month after the completion of the activity.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30th, 2025

RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED: OCTOBER 10th, 2025