Dr. Imelda de Groot Award 2025: Applications Open

The annual Dr. Imelda de Groot Award is now open for applications. Established by Duchenne Parent Project Netherlands, this award aims to stimulate innovative initiatives that advance clinical care and improve quality of life for individuals living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The award focuses on groundbreaking, creative, and evidence-based ideas that contribute to the development and implementation of improved healthcare practices. The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2025. 

Scope of eligible projects 

• Projects eligible for consideration may include, but are not limited to: 
• Implementation of new scientific findings in daily care 
• Exploring the effect of new healthcare treatments (pilot study) 
• New sports initiatives 
• New leisure initiatives 
• Psychosocial care 
• Healthcare initiatives to improve social participation 
• Exploration of new topics addressed in clinical care 

Award and conditions 

The award provides financial support of €10,000 to initiate a new project or expand an existing one. The recipient will be selected by an expert jury, chaired by Dr. Imelda de Groot. 

All professionals directly involved in the care of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are eligible to apply. 

Submission procedure 

Applications must be submitted in the form of a video presentation of a maximum of 3 minutes, outlining the project and including a brief motivation highlighting its innovative and unique aspects. Videos may be recorded in the applicant’s native language, provided that English subtitles are included. 

Submissions must be sent by 31 October 2025 to info@duchenne.nl. The winner will be announced on 1 December. 

About Dr. Imelda de Groot 

Dr. Imelda de Groot retired in April 2021 as a pediatric rehabilitation specialist at the Radboud University Medical Center. During her career, she set up several innovative and relevant research projects focused on Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy, such as the ‘No use is disuse’ project that focused on movement and physical activities. The aim of this award is to inspire researchers and clinicians to continue their work in this field.