Investigator Award
The Investigator Award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation funds early-career researchers conducting innovative studies on rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
Funder: Rheumatology Research Foundation
Due Dates: July 1, 2026 (Letter of Intent) | August 3, 2026 (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $125,000/year (max $375,000 over 3 years; includes up to $75,000 salary and up to $50,000 research costs/year, with 8% indirect costs allowed within total)
Summary: Supports early-career investigators in rheumatology as they transition to independent research careers, funding innovative studies on rheumatic diseases.
Key Information: Letter of Intent required; institutional commitment to 75% research effort is mandatory.
Description
The Investigator Award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation is designed to support early-stage faculty in rheumatology as they establish independent research careers. The award provides substantial funding to junior investigators working on innovative basic, translational, or clinical research projects relevant to rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Projects may address any area within the Foundation's mission, with special encouragement for proposals focusing on lupus (via the LRA/RRF Empowering Lupus Research Partnership) or adult dermatomyositis. The program aims to bridge the gap between postdoctoral fellowship and major independent research funding (e.g., NIH K/R awards), ensuring that promising researchers remain competitive and productive in the field.
