
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 $16 million, attracting applications from leading Duchenne researchers from around the world.
We are no longer accepting applications for our 2023 Research Grant Program.
We are so grateful to the many researchers and students who submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the Defeat Duchenne Canada 2023 Research Grant Program. The portal to apply is now closed. If you missed the deadline, we encourage you to subscribe to our e-newsletter and join our program in 2024!

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 boys and young men 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.
Click here to see the full list of funding criteria and conditions for 2023.
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.
- Dr. Lisa Hoffman, RFAC Chair – Associate Scientist at the Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario
- Dr. Jeff Chamberlain – Professor in the Departments of Neurology, Medicine and Biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Dr. Hernan Gonorazky – Pediatric Neuromuscular Specialist and Scientist at the Hospital of Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario
- Dr. Hanns Lochmüller – Neuromuscular Specialist and Senior Scientist at the University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
- 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
- Lorrie Power (NS) – Duchenne Family Advisory Committee Chair and Mother
- Kerri Denysiuk (SK) – Mother
- Marie-Catherine Duberger (QC) – Mother and President at La Force DMD
- Rebekah Kember (ON) – Sister
- Kasha Mitton (BC) – Mother
- Darlene Morden (ON) – Mother
- Eric Morden (ON) – Young Adult with Duchenne
- Frank Provenzano (ON) – Father
- 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:
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.
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.
The 2023 Research Grant Cycle will be open for Letters of Intent (LOI) starting March 20, 2023, closing on April 21, 2023.
For additional information or questions, please contact:
Perry Esler
Chief Executive Officer
Defeat Duchenne Canada
[email protected]
Dr. Lisa Hoffman
Research Funding Advisory Committee (RFAC) Chair
Associate Scientist
Lawson Health Research Institute (London, Ontario)
[email protected]
Funding Criteria for 2023
Click the button below to learn more about the funding criteria for 2023.
Research We Fund
Want to learn more about the research currently funded by Defeat Duchenne Canada?