Since 1995, Defeat Duchenne Canada has built a foundation of strong partnerships with scientists and families who are dedicated to discovering treatments and a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
We believe in funding projects with the greatest chance of translating to clinical practice in a timely and cost-effective manner. This goal has brought us to granting $20.3 million, attracting applications from leading Duchenne researchers from around the world.
Research Grant Cycle
The 2026 Research Grant Submission Portal is now closed.
The call for Letters of Intent (LOIs) for our 2026 Research Grant Program closed on April 28, 2026. We thank all applicants who have submitted their LOIs and look forward to reviewing the applications over the course of the year.
Defeat Duchenne Canada remains committed to advancing research and improving the lives of those affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This year, we are investing over $1 million in research through the 2026 Research Grant Cycle, including ongoing support for projects now in their final year. Learn more about currently and previously funded research.
How does Defeat Duchenne Canada choose a project fund?
Defeat Duchenne Canada invites research proposals focused on treating and improving the lives of individuals living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Successful proposals are expected to be of high scientific merit, demonstrate a clear, probable and timely path toward clinical implementation.
Priority will be given to projects that are cost effective and have the most significant impact on individuals living with Duchenne. Research groups funded by Defeat Duchenne Canada are highly encouraged to be open to collaboration with other investigators and to exploring additional partnerships with other foundations.
Who makes our funding decisions?
All applications will be reviewed by the organization’s funding advisory committees. Our Research Funding Advisory Committee (RFAC) comprised of researchers, clinicians, and scientists, and our Duchenne Family Advisory Committee (DFAC), including family members and individuals living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Defeat Duchenne Canada’s Board of Directors make the final funding decision based on the recommendations presented by both of these committees.
Our Research Funding Advisory Committee (RFAC)
- Dr. Lisa Hoffman (RFAC Chair and Associate Scientist at the Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario)
- Dr. Natasha Chang (Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at McGill University, Montreal, Quebec)
- Dr. Eric Hoffman (Associate Dean for the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University – SUNY; Co-founder and CEO of ReveraGen Biopharma; Co-founder and Vice President of AGADA Biosciences; and Co-founder and President of TRiNDS LLC)
- Dr. David L. Mack, PhD (Professor, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington)
- Dr. Jean Mah (Pediatric Neuromuscular Specialist and Senior Scientist at Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary, Alberta)
- Dr. Toshifumi Yokota (Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta)
- Dr. Amanda Yaworski (Neuromuscular Specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario)
Our Duchenne Family Advisory Committee (DFAC)
- Lorrie Power (NS) – Duchenne Family Advisory Committee Chair and Mother
- Kerri Denysiuk (SK) – Mother
- Kasha Mitton (BC) – Mother
- Nicole Mathison (SK) – Mother
- Darlene Morden (ON) – Mother
- Eric Morden (ON) – Young Adult with Duchenne
- Nicola Worsfold (ON) – Mother
- Rachael Prendergast (ON) – Mother
We are thankful for these exceptional volunteers who dedicate their time to this vital process. Their thought leadership enables us to decide where our donors’ generous gifts will make the most significant impact on the lives of those living with Duchenne.
The Application Process
Involves two stages of submission and review:
Stage 1 – Letters of Intent (LOI)
LOI’s will be rigorously reviewed by the organization’s Research Funding Advisory Committee (RFAC) and the Duchenne Family Advisory Committee (DFAC). All projects will be scored and shared between committees before final decisions are made. Proposals will be assessed based on defined criteria and conditions, as described above. Only a subset of applicants successful at accomplishing this first stage will then be invited to submit their full applications.
Stage 2 – Full Applications
Selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications which will be rigorously reviewed once again by the organization’s Research Funding Advisory Committee (RFAC), Duchenne Family Advisory Committee (DFAC), and an outside expert reviewer(s) specific to each application. Final decisions on successful applications will be made by the Defeat Duchenne Canada’s Board of Directors.
How Do I Apply?
The Research Grant Cycle will be open for Letters of Intent (LOI) closed on April 28, 2026.
Stay tuned for the next Granting Cycle with more details to be announced at the end of 2026.
Who do I contact for further information?
For additional information or questions, please contact:
Jennifer DiRaimo
National Director, Research and Education
Defeat Duchenne Canada
[email protected]
Funding Criteria
Details on the funding criteria for 2026 can be found below.