Dr. Yanning Zuo from the University of California San Diego is among 10 rare disease
researchers to be awarded a grant at Uplifting Athletes’ Young Investigator Draft on Feb 1 at Lincoln Financial Field
New York City, NY (January 17, 2025) — Uplifting Athletes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the rare disease community, and Project 8p Foundation, a nonprofit advancing research, advocacy, and treatments for chromosome 8p disorders, have announced that they are awarding University of California San Diego’s Dr. Yanning Zuo a $20,000 research grant as a member of Uplifting Athletes’ 2025 Young Investigator Draft Class. The Research Program will advance understanding of chromosome 8p disorders and will be carried out in the lab of Dr. Francesca Telese.
Dr. Yanning Zuo is among a group of 10 researchers who will each receive a grant at the Uplifting Athletes’ Young Investigator Draft on February 1, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Uplifting Athletes is a nonprofit organization that impacts the rare disease community through connections to sports and engaging athletes to generate awareness, inspire hope, and raise funds to support the approximately 1 in 10 Americans impacted by rare diseases. Over $1 million in grants have been awarded throughout the program’s history.
Project 8p Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals impacted by chromosome 8p disorders through research, advocacy, and support for families. By funding critical studies and fostering collaborations, Project 8p is accelerating solutions for this chromosomal condition that affects brain development and other systems, with a mission to empower 8p heroes and their families to thrive.
The Young Investigator Draft is inspired by the NFL Draft but shifts the focus from selecting potential talent on the football field to recognizing the next generation of promising young medical researchers in rare diseases. It is one of several signature initiatives created by Uplifting Athletes to raise awareness and research funding for rare diseases, which affect approximately 30 million individuals in the United States.
“It is an honor to partner with 10 patient advocacy organizations to advance rare disease research, and we are overjoyed to celebrate the 2025 Draft class,” said Brett Brackett, President of Uplifting Athletes. “These 10 incredible researchers represent so much promise for tomorrow, and we are honored to have them on our team.”
“Our shared investment in young investigators like Dr. Yanning Zuo demonstrates the power of collaboration in rare disease research,” said Dr. Lauren Chaby, Executive Director of Project 8p Foundation. “By working together, we are advancing critical science that has the potential to transform lives and bring actionable solutions to the 8p community.”
Grant submissions for the Young Investigator Draft are evaluated by an expert panel of scientific advisors prior to the selection of each year’s Draft Class. Every researcher is nominated by a patient advocacy organization (PAO) recognized by Uplifting Athletes as a priority partner, with grants equally co-funded by Uplifting Athletes and the nominating PAO. Dr. Yanning Zuo was nominated by Project 8p Foundation as an outstanding researcher within the chromosome 8p community.
About Dr. Yanning Zuo’s Research
Dr. Yanning Zuo’s research leverages transcriptomics data provided by Project 8p Foundation to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chromosome 8p disorders, which cause neurodevelopmental challenges such as intellectual disability and autism. Preliminary findings highlight alterations in neurodevelopmental gene expression, cell composition, and steroid metabolism pathways. Her study aims to identify key driver genes, pinpoint critical developmental mechanisms, and explore FDA-approved drugs for potential repositioning to address these rare disorders.
“I am honored to receive the 2025 Young Investigator Draft Grant and sincerely thank Project 8p and Uplifting Athletes for their support. This funding will help us take significant steps toward understanding chromosome 8p disorders and their impact on families,” said Dr. Zuo.
The 2025 Young Investigator Draft audience will include student-athlete leaders from Uplifting Athletes’ collegiate chapters across the country, notable professional athletes, biopharmaceutical representatives, healthcare professionals, and those directly impacted by rare diseases and their families. The Young Investigator Draft is family-friendly, and VIP tickets include a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Eagles’ stadium.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the Uplifting Athletes 2025 Young Investigator Draft, please visit https://charity.pledgeit.org/YID2025.
About Project 8p Foundation
Project 8p Foundation, founded in 2018, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of families affected by chromosome 8p disorders by advancing research, translating discoveries into meaningful solutions, and empowering caregivers. Project 8p accelerates therapeutic development, enhances clinical care, and provides critical resources to support the 8p community. To learn more about Project 8p Foundation, visit www.project8p.org.
About Uplifting Athletes
Uplifting Athletes is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that harnesses the power of sport to build a community that invests in the lives of the more than 30 million people impacted by rare diseases in America. Since its inception, Uplifting Athletes has raised more than $11 million by engaging athletes to positively impact the rare disease community through driving action, awareness, and funding research. To learn more about Uplifting Athletes, visit www.upliftingathletes.org.
