Amid ongoing fluctuations in federal research funding, a declining physician workforce, and increasing patient needs, the Rheumatology Research Foundation (Foundation) and the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) have partnered to create the Empowering Lupus Research Partnership (ELR) to support the discovery and development of next-generation lupus diagnostics and treatments.
The ELR is a collaborative award program supporting early-career scientists and junior investigators committed to a career in rheumatology and lupus research.
Applicants can submit applications addressing the ELR Notice of Special Interest under two existing award types with the Foundation—1) the Scientist Development Award (SDA) or 2) the Investigator Award (IA). The ELR SDA offers a maximum award of $225,000 for up to three years and the ELR IA has a maximum allocation of $500,000 for up to four years. Projects should stimulate the investigation of underexplored pathways and novel concepts in lupus biology; initiate transformative discoveries in autoimmune disease, driving the development of safer and more effective treatments for people living with lupus; and/or aim to bridge the gap between the bench and the bedside in lupus and autoimmunity research.
“The Rheumatology Research Foundation is dedicated to supporting investigators who are conducting innovative, ground-breaking research,” said Eryn Marchiolo, vice president of mission with the Foundation. “The Lupus Research Alliance is a leader in funding transformative discoveries, and we are pleased to see this partnership come to fruition at a time when patient demand and the need for financial resources is high.”
“We know that these awards will benefit the careers of the junior investigator recipients, the field of rheumatology, and ultimately, will have long-term, positive impacts for patients with lupus,” Marchiolo continues.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and affects the skin, joints, and organs (e.g., brain, lungs, kidneys, etc.). Lupus disproportionately affects women, especially those of African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American descent. One out of 10 adults with lupus are men. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 Americans are living with lupus.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Rheumatology Research Foundation to advance groundbreaking lupus research by supporting early- and mid-career investigators. By combining our expertise and resources, we are enabling physicians and scientists to push the boundaries of discovery and to bring us closer to transformative treatments for people living with lupus,” said Teodora Staeva, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at the Lupus Research Alliance.
Interested researchers should submit letters of intent by July 1, and applications by Aug. 1. Details about the awards can be viewed on the Foundation website.
About the Rheumatology Research Foundation
The Rheumatology Research Foundation is the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training programs in the U.S. Established in 1985, the Foundation is focused on advancing patient care and accelerating discoveries in rheumatic diseases. More information about the Foundation can be found at rheumresearch.org.
About the Lupus Research Alliance
The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus research, fostering diverse scientific talent, and driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance’s Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs. For more information or to donate to lupus research, visit the LRA at LupusResearch.org and on social media at: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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Media Contact:
Monica McDonald
404-365-2162
mmcdonald@rheumatology.or
