What Science Fits

Expansion Award funds can be used to explore bold, new single ventricle-focused research directions inspired by the applicant’s current work.

This opportunity supports investigators, both established within and new to the single ventricle field, in achieving the rapid expansion of the field through the application of novel findings, technologies, and knowledge from any field to a single ventricle-focused aim. Examples of possible Expansion Award proposals include: 

• Repurpose mechanical engineering innovations to prototype and test a novel low-shear Fontan Assist Device (FAD). 

• Translate genetic or molecular insights into a novel and reproducible small animal model of single ventricle heart disease.  

• Apply field-specific knowledge to understand biological mechanisms that underly the development and/or treatment of non-cardiac single ventricle sequelae. 

• Collaboratively develop digital or analog clinical tools to enhance the diagnosis, care, or treatment of single ventricle patients. 

• Adapt bioengineering advancements to develop novel benchtop testing platforms to evaluate mechanical and bioengineered devices. 

Who Can Apply

Proposed projects must be led by Principal Investigator(s) (PIs) who hold doctoral degrees (e.g., PhD, MD, PsyD, or equivalent) and propose a single ventricle focused research plan.

Eligible PIs include both mentored and independent investigators, including professors, instructors, research associates, and postdoctoral or medical fellows. 

Previous Expansion Award Cycles

Since the first Expansion Award cycle in 2021, we have funded 10 projects annually, with work ranging from developing machine learning algorithms to the addition of novel single-cell ‘omics techniques to develop regulatory maps. More information about our previous Expansion Award recipients can be found in our awards database! 

Deadlines are subject to change at the discretion of Additional Ventures in response to nationally or globally relevant events, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Any date that falls on a weekend will default to the next Monday.