The ACR REF “Within Our Reach” campaign is now accepting applications for its second round of RA research grants. The first round of grants (announced in July) provided an estimated $6 million in funding to 15 recipients.
“The number and quality of applications for the first round of funding was very impressive. The fact that we received so many scientifically unique and methodologically sound applications is testament to the need for this type of funding opportunity in the field of rheumatoid arthritis,” says V. Michael Holers, MD, chair of the REF Scientific Advisory Committee, which oversees the grant peer-review process. “Based on this terrific start to the program in its first year, we look forward to the next cycle of grant applications and additional funding being provided next year.”
The application deadline for the second round of RA grants is December 1, with funding beginning in July 2008. Individuals with doctoral degrees (MD, PhD, DO, or the equivalent) at the assistant professor level or higher at any nonprofit U.S. institution are eligible to apply. Individuals at the NIH and CDC are not eligible. The principal investigator must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time of application. Applications are being accepted for the following research areas:
- Innovative Basic Research: These grants provide support for investigators to conduct exploratory research on new issues or approaches for which there is currently an insufficient theoretical or empirical basis for a competitive research project application.
- Translational Research: These grants support established independent physician-scientists who are dedicated to translational research.
- Clinical Practice: These grants focus on issues that directly affect patient access and the quality of care in rheumatology clinical practice. Visit www.WithinOurReach.info for complete information about the grants, application process, and current research.