Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America N.A., Trustee, Awards Program in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research

The Edward N. & Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation was created in 2002 to advance the health of older adults through the support of direct service projects and medical research on diseases and disorders affecting older adults. In keeping with the Foundation's mission, we are pleased to announce a new Awards Program in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research. The goal of the Awards Program is to support translational research that will lead to improved therapies for individuals suffering from AMD.

As steward of the Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America N.A. works with The Medical Foundation division's Scientific Review Committees to select the most qualified candidates. Successful research proposals will extend recent basic research findings regarding the underlying mechanisms of AMD and characterize novel biological pathways or targets for drug development. Examples of funding areas include, but are not limited to, genetically engineered animal models, the discovery and testing of small molecule therapies directed at new or known targets including immune- or inflammation-related pathways associated with AMD, local drug delivery systems, and neuroprotective strategies to prevent retinal cell degeneration. Clinical studies and medication trials are currently outside the scope of this program.

All applicants must hold a faculty appointment at a nonprofit academic, medical, or research institution in the United States or US territories. United States citizenship is not required. Eligibility is not limited to those investigators currently working in age-related macular degeneration research; scientists who have conducted research exploring the biologic causes of related disorders and/or similar translational research programs are encouraged to apply. Applicants do not need to be nominated by their institutions. Preference will be given to originality of ideas, regardless of faculty seniority.

The research proposal must clarify how the study may improve current therapeutic strategies or reveal new therapeutic approaches.