(July 31, 2021) -- The ATS Research Program and Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Networkhave awarded Jarod A. Zepp, PhD, of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania an $80,000 Partner Grant. The ATS Research Program Partner Grants provide crucial support to talented investigators from around the world, launching careers dedicated to scientific discovery and better patient care.
“This award will help us grow our new lab by supporting our research efforts to bridge fundamental mechanisms in fibroblast biology with a focus on responses elicited by HPS-associated mutations in epithelial cells,” wrote Dr. Zepp about his research project, “Fibroblast degeneration in HPS.”
“We are so thankful to the ATS for the opportunity that they extend to us in this Research Grant Partnership Program,” said Donna Appell, RN, executive director and founder of the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network. “It has given us the ability to reach incredibly talented researchers that we could not have interested on our own. We are delighted to have Dr. Zepp’s work added to the body of knowledge about HPS.”
“Grants from the ATS Research Program are an investment not just in young investigators themselves, but also in the future of their work and research,” said Karen M. Ridge, PhD, chair of the Scientific Grant Review Committee. “It has been wonderful to partner with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network to support critical research into this disease. Investigating the underlying mechanism for rare diseases, such as HPS, is critical to providing patients new treatment options. Research on rare diseases is important because it can lead to the discovery of other components that may be affecting common diseases.”
The application process for the next cycle of grant opportunities is now open. Visit the ATS Research Program website to learn more.
About the ATS Research Program
The American Thoracic Society and its Research Program are improving respiratory health worldwide by supporting young investigators in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. The ATS Research Program, established in 2004, bolsters new investigators as they strive to launch independent research careers dedicated to innovation in patient care.
Since 2004, the Research Program has awarded $21.9 million in research grants to 321 investigators who have gone on to secure more than $491 million in federal funding. That's a return on investment of $22 per dollar awarded.
About the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network
The Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network Inc. is a not-for-profit support group for people and families dealing with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS) and related disorders such as Chediak Higashi Syndrome.
Their mission is to gather and disseminate information, to promote awareness and research, and to provide support to their members. This keeps HPS actively developing educational materials, pamphlets, slides, and articles to help both families and professionals understand the needs created by this syndrome.
