Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Centers (MDSRC)

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is forecasting a renewal of the Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Centers (MDSRC) program. The initiative funds three Centers of Excellence that will conduct basic, translational, and clinical research on muscular dystrophy, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, share core resources, and provide training environments for emerging scientists. Centers must also engage patients and advocacy groups to ensure patient‑centered research. Funding is provided as a grant with a total ceiling of $1,000,000 across all awards. Applicants may include a wide range of public, private, nonprofit, tribal, and for‑profit entities. The forecasted timeline includes a posting date of 08/20/2026, an application deadline of 10/01/2027, award decision by 07/01/2028, and project start on the same date. • 3 awards total, up to $1 M ceiling (≈$333 k per award) • Focus on muscular dystrophy basic, translational, and clinical research • Requires interdisciplinary collaboration, shared core facilities, and training components • Must involve patient and advocacy community engagement • Open to diverse eligible entities (state, tribal, nonprofit, for‑profit, etc.) • Forecasted dates: posting 08/20/2026, deadline 10/01/2027, award 07/01/2028, start 07/01/2028.