IFCAH 2027 Call for Projects: Supporting Research on Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia 11/03/2026

Objective

The International Fund for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (IFCAH), in partnership with the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE), is launching its 2027 Call for Projects dedicated to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).

With a total budget of €250,000, this call aims to support research projects that can improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of CAH and promote the development of new therapeutic approaches. Research teams from around the world are eligible to apply, with particular consideration given, whenever possible, to the participation of European-based teams. This consideration does not apply to projects involving gene or cell therapies.

Research Areas

Projects must focus directly or indirectly on CAH and contribute to improving our understanding of the disease or its management. Three main research areas are prioritised:

• Development of new therapeutic targets and strategies, including gene and cell therapy models; the development of physiological hormone replacement strategies (cortisol replacement according to circadian and ultradian rhythms, optimisation of aldosterone replacement); improved treatment monitoring and dose adjustment; and the development of reliable emergency treatment devices.
• Investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CAH, including research on adrenal development, differentiation and homeostasis. Projects must demonstrate their relevance to CAH. Research on adrenal tumours and cancer is excluded.
• Prevention, diagnosis and management of natural or iatrogenic complications, including their impact on foetal development, growth, puberty, metabolic and cardiovascular systems, female and male fertility, bone density, immunity, infections, neurocognitive function, and complications associated with long-term hormone replacement therapy.

Funding

Selected projects may receive funding of up to €150,000 per project, for a maximum duration of three years. Projects must commence no later than six months after notification of the funding decision.

Eligible expenses include specific equipment, operating costs and salaries for project staff. Salaries for senior permanent staff employed by academic institutions and government agencies are not eligible. Indirect costs and management fees are not covered and must be funded through another source.

Co-funding is permitted to support larger-scale projects.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a medical degree (MD), a doctoral degree (PhD) or an equivalent academic qualification, and must hold a faculty position or an equivalent appointment at a university, medical school or comparable institution.

Only one project proposal per research team will be considered. Applications to renew previous IFCAH funding are accepted. However, teams that have already received IFCAH funding cannot submit a different project until their current grant has ended.

Selection Procedure

The selection process consists of several stages:

1. Letter of Intent (LOI): Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent, enabling the scientific committee of IFCAH, ESPE and ESE to assess the relevance and priority of the proposed project.
2. Pre-selection: Selected teams will be invited to submit a full application. Applicants must notably explain how their project is positioned in relation to competing research initiatives at the international level.
3. Peer review: Full applications will undergo scientific peer review.
4. Oral presentation: Final selection will take place following an oral presentation before the scientific committee, either in person in Paris or via videoconference.

Key Dates

• 15 January 2027: Deadline for submission of Letters of Intent;
• February 2027: LOI selection meeting;
• April 2027: Deadline for submission of full applications for shortlisted projects;
• June 2027: Project auditions;
• July 2027: Notification of funding decisions.

Further Information

Letters of Intent and additional information can be obtained directly from IFCAH.

• View the IFCAH Call for Projects
• View the ESPE announcement
• Contact:cfp(at)ifcah.org