New research grants target ALS causes, biomarkers, gene therapy

The ALS Network, in collaboration with ALS United, has announced the winners of the 2025 Research Innovation Grants, which support projects aimed at enhancing understanding and care for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

This year’s group of 13 awarded research projects spans a broad array of high-impact science — ranging from biomarker discovery to gene therapy, and from regenerative medicine to advanced brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies.

“Every research partnership moves us closer to breakthroughs the ALS community urgently needs,” Sheri Strahl, MPH, MBA, president and CEO of the ALS Network, said in an organization press release. “We support revolutionary, transformative science that strengthens our shared path toward effective treatments and, ultimately, cures.”

Research Innovation Grants recipients were chosen through an annual competitive process, with applications carefully reviewed by the ALS Network’s Scientific Advisory Committee and Community Research Committee.

The grant program is a collaborative effort designed to advance scientific discovery and translate innovation into tangible progress for people living with ALS, particularly at a time when federal funding cuts threaten momentum in the field.

The most significant investments were made by ALS Network and ALS Northwest, one of the 12 members of ALS United that contributed to these grants. ALS United is a coalition of independent ALS organizations dedicated to improving patient care, supporting research, and promoting policies that benefit people with ALS.

“ALS Northwest is proud to invest in research that has the potential to transform the future of ALS,” said Cassy Adams, executive director of ALS Northwest. “It reflects our belief that strategic, collaborative funding can accelerate progress. We’re committed to fueling visionary science that leads to real breakthroughs and to standing with those living with ALS as we work toward a cure.”