Call for Applications: ESNM Research Grant

The ESNM is offering a grant for research in neurogastroenterological diseases, in particular motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). The grant intends to support basic as well as clinical reasearch in this area and is worth 20.000 €.

Objective
The objective of the ESNM Research grant is to support early-career European investigators working in the field of Neurogastroenterology by providing funding that promotes the development of their research careers and enables innovative projects representing new research directions. The grant aims to stimulate high-quality research in Neurogastroenterology and to increase the visibility of the field. Applications from basic, translational and clinical researchers are strongly encouraged in order to reflect the full spectrum of Neurogastroenterology research.

Eligibility

  • Award recipients will be selected based on the novelty, importance, feasibility, environment and the overall potential of the proposed project to attract substantial future funding in the field of Neurogastroenterology and Motility.
  • Applicants must be ESNM members, be under 40 years of age at the application deadline, have successfully completed a university degree, and work at least 30% full-time equivalent in a clinical or research position at an accredited institution. The institution does not need to be an academic medical center.
  • Extensions to the age limit will be granted for periods of parental leave and primary childcare responsibilities.
  • Women, underrepresented groups, and applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Current members of the ESNM steering committee are excluded. Applicants must not have an active research collaboration with any current ESNM Steering Committee member and must not hold another active grant or research award funded by ESNM at the time of application.

Requirements

  • The proposed research project should address the physiologic mechanisms involved in regulation of gastrointestinal functions or the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis or treatment of neurogastroenterological diseases, in particular motility disorders or DGBI (or any combination thereof).
  • The awards support projects in basic, translational and clinical research across the field of Neurogastroenterology.
  • Allowable Costs:
    - Research assistants and/or laboratory technicians
    - Biostatistics support
    - Travel costs
    - Supplies and/or equipment
  • The following costs are not allowed:
    - Preceptor’s salary and benefits
    - Indirect costs
  • A letter of recommendation from the Division Chief, Department Chair or from an established Senior Investigator is required for all applicants.
  • Upon receipt of this award, the recipient must provide notification or a waiver of approval from the appropriate institutional committee for the use of human subjects or animals. If approval is not necessary, the recipient must provide an explanation.
  • A scientific and financial progress report must be submitted to ESNM by the award recipient within one year of receiving the award and in any subsequent year while the study is in progress.
  • A final report must be submitted upon completion of the project.
  • All results must be submitted to the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility for review and potential publication without prior submission to another journal.

Review Process

A selection committee comprised of the members of the Research Board of the ESNM steering committee will review the proposals, select the highest ranking projects (up to 3 ) and present them to the steering committee members, usually during the annual meeting in February. Award recipients will be determined by voting. Awardees will be notified by April 1, 2027. Funding will commence June 1, 2027.

Application Process

  • The application opens on October 1st , 2026 and closes on December 15th, 2026.
  • Applications must be submitted through via following email address: info@esnm.eu
  • Applicants may only submit one application for this award per calendar year.
  • The project proposal is limited to four pages and should contain the following headings:
    - Background / State of the art
    - Preliminary results (if applicable)
    - Work plan
    - Clinical significance
    - Research environment
  • The application must also contain:
    - Two-page CV
    - One-page budget
    - Letter of support from Division Chief, Department Chair or from an established Senior Investigator.

Award ceremonies will be held at Neurogastro Meeting 2027 in Leuven, Belgium. Please direct all questions to ESNM office at: info@esnm.eu


Please note: It is the general policy of the ESNM to pay only direct costs, not institutional overhead (indirect costs), on research grants and contracts awarded.

 

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