Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK, established in 1969 by families and clinicians, is the UK's leading national charity dedicated to transforming lives affected by progressive ataxias—rare neurological disorders impairing movement, coordination, and function. Its mission centers on funding high-quality research for treatments and cures, while enhancing quality of life through innovative support services. Guided by values of empathy, scientific rigour, collaboration, and empowerment, the charity actively involves patients, families, and carers in shaping priorities, integrating research, advocacy, and direct aid via its Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

It prioritises research into inherited and sporadic ataxias like Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA), and rarer types, funding major/pilot projects, PhD studentships, fellowships, collaborative studies, travel/conference grants, and ataxia-related equipment. Beyond research, it supports welfare grants for 16-30-year-olds with ataxia (education/employment), local groups, online forums, paediatric clinics, and a national helpline. Beneficiaries include UK children/adults with ataxia, families, carers, and professionals, with global research applications welcomed if benefiting UK patients.

Eligible applicants are academic institutions, NHS centres, and research units of any size, with no income thresholds or geographic base restrictions, though UK-wide impact is key. Unsolicited applications follow a two-stage process: one-page EOI, then full proposal, peer-reviewed by the SAC (meets quarterly: Feb, Jun, Oct). Typical grants range £5,000-£30,000; small/pilot grants (<£5,000) accepted ad hoc. Next EOI deadline: 22 September 2025; decisions in 2-4 months. Excludes ataxia telangiectasia (A-T), symptomatic ataxias (trauma/toxicity), and non-ataxia research. Distinctive for patient-led priorities, international partnerships (e.g., CureDRPLA), and hosting events like the 2024 International Ataxia Congress.