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9 ORGS · 44 ACTIVITIES ← all strategies ·
approach

Collaborative Knowledge Commons

By creating shared research resources, infrastructure, and open collaboration platforms, we accelerate scientific discovery and translation, because removing barriers to access, reducing duplication, and fostering interdisciplinary exchange enable faster, more efficient progress than isolated efforts can achieve. This strategy centers on building centralized, open-access assets—such as biorepositories, data sets, biofoundries, conferencing forums, and physical research facilities—that lower entry barriers and align global researchers around common goals. Unlike traditional models that rely on individual lab autonomy or proprietary control, this approach treats knowledge and tools as public goods, enabling cumulative, coordinated advancement across fragmented fields like rare disease and aging research. It is distinguished by its emphasis on systemic resource-sharing rather than isolated funding or education initiatives.

9
orgs running it
44
activities of those orgs
12
activity groups touched
who runs it

Organizations running this strategy · 9

what it looks like in practice

Activities of orgs running this strategy

A sample of programmatic activities from the orgs above — what the strategy looks like on the ground.

  • Accelerating research for CASK gene disorder treatments and cure Project CASK Inc
    research
    Focuses on advancing scientific research to develop treatments and a cure for CASK gene disorders, directing 89–91% of annual revenue toward research and studies.
  • Collecting and maintaining biological samples for CASK research Project CASK Inc
    research
    Collects and maintains patient-donated biological samples including blood, tissue, and saliva to support research on CASK gene disorders.
  • Expanding access to genetic testing for pediatric epilepsy and developmental disorders Project CASK Inc
    direct service
    Partners with Probably Genetic to increase access to genetic testing for pediatric epilepsy and developmental disorders within the CASK community.
  • Funding research grants for CASK gene disorder treatments Project CASK Inc
    grantmaking
    Funds an annual grants program for research into CASK gene disorders, including support for gene replacement therapy, development of iPSCs and mouse models, biologically active compounds, and at least two small grants following the CASK Think Tank; also raises additional funding for large-scale studies based on small grant outcomes.
  • Operating a global patient registry for CASK gene disorders Project CASK Inc
    direct service
    Manages a global patient registry to advance understanding of CASK gene disorders and support treatment development.
  • Organizing scientific collaboration and research strategy for CASK disorders Project CASK Inc
    research
    Convened the first multidisciplinary scientific meeting in December 2023 with 30 scientists to identify key research questions and strategies, and launched the first Request for Applications in January 2024 informed by the CASK Think Tank.
  • Organizing the CASK Conference for patients, families, and researchers Project CASK Inc
    direct service
    Hosts Roar 2026: The CASK Conference, a two-day event with sessions, meals, networking, licensed on-site childcare, programming for affected individuals and siblings, and bio-sample collection opportunities.
  • Producing educational podcast content on CASK-related care Project CASK Inc
    direct service
    Produces podcast episodes featuring personal experiences with intensive therapy approaches for CASK-related care.
  • Providing emotional and informational support to newly diagnosed families Project CASK Inc
    direct service
    Offers emotional support, information, and shared experiences to families newly diagnosed with CASK gene disorder and connects them with the broader community of parents and family members.
  • Providing financial assistance for medical and therapeutic needs Project CASK Inc
    direct service
    Offers financial support for medical equipment, therapy, treatment, medical bills, home modifications, and events through Connect, powered by SupportNow.
  • Supporting access to intensive therapy models for CASK individuals Project CASK Inc
    direct service
    Supports individuals with CASK gene disorders in accessing intensive therapy models that involve high-frequency, consecutive-day sessions followed by breaks.
  • Cryo-electron microscopy services HAUPTMAN-WOODWARD MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC
    research
    Provides single-particle and microcrystal electron diffraction services through its Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center to academic, government, non-profit, and industry research organizations.
  • Digital infrastructure for crystallography data access and analysis HAUPTMAN-WOODWARD MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC
    research
    Implements a modern internet interface that allows users to access images from high-throughput crystallization screening experiments and develops software for automated image analysis and classification to support structural biology research.
  • High-throughput macromolecular crystallography HAUPTMAN-WOODWARD MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE INC
    research
    Develops and operates a high-throughput facility for macromolecular crystallography that supports structural biology research and accommodates confidential and proprietary equipment. Provides protein crystallization services to academic, government, and non-profit research institutes.
  • Convening of global ALS research community TARGET ALS FOUNDATION INC
    capacity building
    Hosts annual meetings bringing together over 1,200 participants from 35+ countries, including researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and patient advocates. The meetings facilitate presentation and peer feedback on unpublished research, feature over 80 speakers, and publish reports summarizing scientific advances and collaborations. Events are held both in-person and virtually, with recent meetings in 2025 and 2026.
  • Development and maintenance of ALS research resources and biorepositories TARGET ALS FOUNDATION INC
    research
    Maintains a global biorepository with over 50,000 vials of biofluid samples (CSF, blood, urine), postmortem tissues from over 500 ALS cases, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. Generates multi-omic data (whole-genome sequencing, RNA-seq, proteomics) linked to clinical records. Provides validated antibodies and ALS animal models with unrestricted access for researchers worldwide.
  • Facilitation of cross-sector collaboration and innovation TARGET ALS FOUNDATION INC
    capacity building
    Sponsors targeted discussions and roundtables on emerging topics such as AI in drug discovery, with participation from major industry players including Roche, Lilly Ventures, and insitro, to foster innovation and collaboration across sectors.
  • Facilitation of drug discovery and clinical translation TARGET ALS FOUNDATION INC
    research
    58% of funded research consortia have advanced to drug discovery programs. Supported the development of 13 clinical trials through funded research projects, translating laboratory findings into viable treatment pathways.