Building a United Peripheral Neuropathy Research Team

Support our work

Peripheral neuropathies (often painful damage or disruption of the peripheral nerve function) affect millions of Americans, but sadly, most have no effective treatments. The Johns Hopkins Merkin Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration Center hopes to change that. Our goal is to advance peripheral neuropathy research, deepen our understanding of these conditions and their causes and develop viable therapies.

Apply for a Grant

If you are a researcher—either an assistant professor or a senior postdoctoral fellow who has completed at least two years of training at a U.S. academic institution—and are committed to advancing the science of peripheral neuropathy and nerve regeneration, we encourage you to apply for a grant.

The submission period for seed grants is open from July 6 to August 31, 2025.

Micro-grant applications for researchers at Johns Hopkins University will be accepted on a rolling basis through July 1, 2026.

Grant Application Portal

Learn more about using the grant portal.

Johns Hopkins Applicants

  • Micro grants (up to $20K, maximum 6 months): Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through July 1, 2026.
  • Seed grants (up to $75K/year, maximum 2 years): Applications will be accepted from July 6 to August 31, 2025.

Download instructions for internal applicants. (PDF)

Applicants from Other U.S. Institutions

Seed grants (up to $75K/year, maximum 2 years): Applications will be accepted from July 6 to August 31, 2025. 

Download instructions for external applicants. (PDF)

How We Plan to Advance Peripheral Neuropathy Research

It is people — brilliant scientists — who make notable medical discoveries. Our center will use the Johns Hopkins expertise and resources, combined with the generous gift from the Merkin Family Foundation, to bring together these individuals and teams in a collaborative setting. To achieve this, we will:

Create a Global Research Network

By providing seed funding, support and expertise to investigators worldwide, we can help advance many innovative projects.

Foster Collaboration

By organizing forums and events, we hope to promote open exchange of tools and ideas between researchers, which sparks innovation.

Develop Talent

Through mentorship and a collaborative environment, we aim to encourage out-of-the-box approaches and create a research community with a diverse body of knowledge.

Focus on Better Diagnostics and Treatments

By supporting the full pathway from investigating the causes, to drug discovery, animal models and clinical trials, we aim to translate basic research into patient-ready therapies.

Establish a Scientific Advisory Board

Comprised of external experts in related disciplines, the board will set annual goals, review data and provide perspectives and guidance on research productivity and timeliness.

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Aggregate and Share Data

Through the use of computer algorithms, investigators will be able to better characterize disease, identify subtypes, determine patterns and build shared resources, such as a patient registry for genotyping and biomarker studies.

Patient care illustration.

Investigator Meeting Presentations

The Merkin PNNR Center hosts monthly investigator meetings. To join future presentations or view past recordings, email us at merkincenter@jhu.edu.

Make a Gift

To donate to the Merkin Center, use our online form. For more information about gift giving, reach out to Gina Scalise, Senior Associate Director of Development: 443-717-4884