Research Grant Program

2023 Research Grants

The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health is currently accepting research grant proposals for our 2023 cycle from investigators focused on the study of thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections. These one-year grants aim to provide funding support for projects with the potential to significantly impact clinical care for individuals with or at risk for thoracic aortic dissection. This year, the Foundation has allocated a minimum of $130,000 to be awarded in funding, with the intention of funding at least two projects. Further funding may be allocated if multiple projects demonstrate exceptional merit and potential impact in the field.

We are grateful to our donors, whose generous contributions have allowed us to increase the number of research grants we fund. The objective of these grants is to support research initiatives that have the potential to make significant impact on clinical care for people with or at risk for thoracic aortic dissection. The JRF is proud to be powering the the Aortic Dissection Collaborative for Patient-Centered Research and is committed to funding projects that address areas of interest identified by the thoracic aortic disease patient community. These include physician and clinician education, patient education, medication, timing of surgery, telehealth, and genetics.

Application due: August 15, 2023
Award announcement: September 15, 2023

Since 2010 the John Ritter Foundation has provided funding and support for the John Ritter Research Program (JRRP), an independent research project conducted out of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston under the direction of Dr. Dianna Milewicz. The aim of the JRRP is to discover genes that cause thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection, understand the genetic and environmental risk factors for developing thoracic aortic disease, and collect data on other symptoms associated with thoracic aortic disease.

In recent years we have funded research projects relating to mental health and exercise in patients with and at risk for aortic dissection, priorities identified by the Aortic Dissection Collaborative for Patient-Centered Research at priorities of the aortic dissection patient community.

We welcome applications from academia and industry for projects that have the potential to make significant impact on clinical care and quality of life for people with or at risk for thoracic aortic dissection. Formal funding opportunities are posted here, however please contact us with proposals at any time.