The REAM Foundation launches research funding program for misophonia

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The REAM Foundation, in collaboration with the Milken Institute's Center for Strategic Philanthropy, today announced the launch of the first dedicated misophonia grant program to encourage scientific progress, better understand the condition, and develop new treatments.

Misophonia is a little-known condition where specific sounds or other sensory stimuli lead to strong physical and emotional responses. Some studies have found that as many as one in five individuals report strong feelings of disgust, rage, or anxiety in response to specific sounds—such as the sound of other people chewing. Many of those suffering from misophonia report being unable to participate in key activities, such as attending school or maintaining social relationships.

The Foundation intends to award five to ten research grants annually, providing up to $400,000 per recipient for projects to study misophonia, develop tools for diagnosis, and assess treatment approaches to provide relief to individuals with the condition.

While misophonia has gained recent attention, little scientific research has been conducted and there are no known programs currently funding research on the condition.

"Misophonia has only recently gained recognition and without any meaningful financial support, limited research has been initiated," explains researcher Pawel Jastreboff, Ph.D., Sc.D. who first described misophonia in 2001. "Substantial financial support is needed to make progress to delineate mechanisms of misophonia and improve its treatment, as well as provide education about misophonia to professionals and the general population."

"We are committed to accelerating progress toward misophonia treatments and ultimately a cure," said Steve Miller, co-founder of The REAM Foundation. "There is great potential in the field, particularly in the promise of early researchers and their work. We aim to inspire more scientists in the fields of neurology, psychology, and audiology to study misophonia. We are filled with hope and confidence that answers are out there."

"The Center for Strategic Philanthropy's work with The REAM Foundation represents the optimal use of philanthropic capital," said Melissa Stevens, executive director of the Milken Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy. "The Foundation has smartly chosen to invest its funds in an area of science that is significantly underfunded by more traditional capital sources like government or commercial funding. The REAM Foundation's grants will serve to jumpstart a much-needed stream of clinical research."

In addition to the grant program, the Milken Institute Center of Strategic Philanthropy has developed a Giving Smarter Guide that details the current state of the science for misophonia, in addition to offering information about organizations currently working with patients and families experiencing this condition.

Grant proposals are welcome from research institutions around the world. Initial letters of intent are due February 15, 2019, and full proposals are due April 12, 2019. Funding decisions will be announced in Fall 2019. Inquiries should be directed to [email protected].

To learn more about misophonia and the grant program, visit http://philanthropy.milkeninstitute.org/misophonia/

About The REAM Foundation
The REAM Foundation, based in Chicago Illinois, is a private family foundation established to help people reach their full potential through support for health and wellness, education, and arts initiatives. For more information, visit reamfoundation.org

About the Milken Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy
The Milken Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy believes philanthropy has the opportunity and obligation to take on big risks to test bold ideas. The Center conducts deep due diligence across a range of issue areas, promotes creative and well-informed giving strategies, and advises families and foundations on where and how to channel philanthropy to maximize a return on investment. For more information, visit philanthropy.milkeninstitute.org

About the Milken Institute
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank determined to increase global prosperity by advancing collaborative solutions that widen access to capital, create jobs, and improve health. The Institute conducts independent, data-driven research, action-oriented meetings, and meaningful policy initiatives. For more information, visit www.milkeninstitute.org

Contact: Geoffrey Baum, [email protected], (310) 570-4689

SOURCE Milken Institute

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