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Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation

Annual Giving
$35.2M
Grant Range
$50K - $3.5M

Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $35,217,204 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available (invitation-only model)
  • Decision Time: Not applicable (recruits researchers)
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $3,500,000
  • Geographic Focus: International (primarily U.S. and Israel)
  • Number of Awards: 38 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Phone: (781) 972-5900

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.adelsonfoundation.org/amrfphil.html

Location: Needham, Massachusetts

Chief Science Officer: Dr. Kristian Hedstrom

Overview

Founded in 2006 by Dr. Miriam Adelson and the late Sheldon G. Adelson (who passed away in January 2021), the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) is a private foundation committed to open and highly integrated collaboration among investigators participating in goal-directed discovery and clinical research to prevent, reduce, or eliminate disabling and life-threatening illnesses. The foundation operates with a unique collaborative model, establishing virtual labs comprised of multi-disciplinary, cross-organizational experts rather than functioning as a traditional grantmaker. With $35.2 million distributed in 2023 across 38 grants, AMRF supports researchers and research teams at top universities and research institutes in the U.S. and internationally, with recent grants supporting researchers at Johns Hopkins University, the Rockefeller University, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Stanford University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Funding Priorities

Research Programs

The foundation currently funds several collaborative translational research programs in specific areas:

  • Adelson Program in Neural Repair and Rehabilitation (APNRR): Focuses on axon regeneration in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves; cell replacement and neural repair for brain injury and disease recovery; peripheral neuropathy and PNS nerve regeneration; spinal cord injury and CNS nerve regeneration; and multiple sclerosis protection and regeneration

  • Adelson Program in Multiple Myeloma Research (APMMR): A three-year program supporting seven investigators conducting translational research at four leading U.S. academic institutions, led by Kenneth Anderson, MD, and Robert Orlowski, MD, focusing on the etiology and early stages of multiple myeloma

  • Other Oncology Programs: Research on ovarian carcinoma and other cancer-related investigations

Grant Range: $50,000 - $3,500,000 per award

Typical Annual Awards: Usually fewer than 20 grants per year (though 38 were made in 2023)

Priority Areas

The foundation names three primary focus areas:

  1. Neurology: Neural repair, rehabilitation, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, brain injury recovery
  2. Oncology: Multiple myeloma, ovarian carcinoma, and other cancer research
  3. Immunology: Immune system research related to the above conditions

The foundation encourages investigators to find common denominators across diseases with regards to the genes, cells, molecules, and pathways involved.

What They Don't Fund

  • The foundation does not fund individual research projects in isolation
  • Does not support research outside its three priority areas (neurology, oncology, immunology)
  • Does not fund organizations or research not aligned with their collaborative, cross-institutional model

Governance and Leadership

Dr. Miriam Adelson (Founder and Trustee): Dr. Adelson earned her BSc in microbiology and genetics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before pursuing medical studies at Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine, where she graduated with an MD magna cum laude. She specialized in internal and emergency medicine and since 1986 has devoted her time to researching and treating drug abuse and the biology of addiction, establishing drug clinics in both Las Vegas and Tel Aviv.

Sheldon G. Adelson (Late Founder): Business magnate and founding Trustee who passed away on January 11, 2021 at the age of 87.

Dr. Kristian Hedstrom (Chief Science Officer): Serves as the primary contact for scientific matters related to the foundation's programs.

The foundation's governance structure includes trustees who, along with AMRF staff, initiate program recommendations based on the Foundation's overall vision.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. AMRF generally recruits researchers for participation in its research projects and does not run a formal application program. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals.

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, where trustees or AMRF staff familiar with the Foundation's overall vision typically initiate recommendations for programs. Researchers must hold PhDs and, if invited, must propose work in terms of a team approach rather than an individual one.

Getting on Their Radar

Researchers interested in the foundation's work should:

  • Review the foundation's model and current programs: Familiarize yourself with AMRF's collaborative approach and existing research initiatives in neurology, oncology, and immunology
  • Sign up for email updates: The foundation maintains an email list for interested researchers
  • Network through your institution: Institutional connections and recognition as a leading researcher in one of AMRF's priority areas are key to being identified for recruitment
  • Collaborate with current AMRF researchers: Existing relationships with scientists already participating in AMRF programs may lead to involvement in future initiatives
  • Publish high-impact research: The foundation recruits from top researchers at leading universities and research institutes, so maintaining a strong publication record in relevant areas is essential

Decision Timeline

Not applicable due to invitation-only model. Timelines vary based on program development and researcher recruitment.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available as the foundation operates by recruiting specific researchers rather than evaluating submitted applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as the foundation does not accept applications.

Application Success Factors

While AMRF does not accept applications, researchers who wish to be positioned for potential recruitment should understand what the foundation values:

Collaborative Approach: The foundation is specifically designed to encourage a model in which scientists from different institutions (referred to as Collaborating Scientists) come together to identify and conduct a synergetic group of research studies to answer a particular question. Individual, isolated research projects do not align with AMRF's model.

Cross-Disease Thinking: The foundation asks and encourages investigators to find common denominators across diseases with regards to genes, cells, molecules, and pathways involved. Researchers who can think beyond single-disease paradigms are more aligned with AMRF's vision.

Institutional Excellence: AMRF recruits from top universities and research institutes in the U.S. and abroad. Recent grant recipients include Johns Hopkins University, the Rockefeller University, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Stanford University, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Translational Focus: The foundation emphasizes translational research that bridges basic science and clinical application, with the goal of preventing, reducing, or eliminating disabling and life-threatening illnesses.

Team-Based Proposals: Grantseekers must be willing to propose work in terms of a team approach rather than an individual one. The Collaborating Scientists determine the sequence, timing, scope, and direction of component projects.

Infrastructure Support Model: The foundation provides infrastructure and financial support to foster collaborations, creating virtual labs that enable cross-organizational research.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is not a traditional funding opportunity: AMRF recruits researchers rather than accepting applications, so traditional grant writing is not applicable
  • Institutional affiliation matters: Being at a top-tier research university or institute significantly increases the likelihood of being recruited for AMRF programs
  • Build your reputation in priority areas: Excellence in neurology, oncology, or immunology research is essential to being on the foundation's radar
  • Think collaboratively: AMRF's entire model is built on cross-institutional, multi-disciplinary collaboration—solo researchers need not apply
  • Focus on translational impact: The foundation seeks research that can lead to practical interventions for life-threatening illnesses
  • International researchers welcome: The foundation funds researchers in both the U.S. and Israel, reflecting the founders' connections to both countries
  • Substantial funding available: With grants ranging from $50,000 to $3.5 million, AMRF provides significant resources to recruited researchers

References

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