The Lupus Foundation of America has announced it will provide peer-reviewed research funding for projects aimed at treating and finding a cure for lupus.
“This funding is critical for advancing research on a complex disease that doesn’t conform to conventional wisdom,” Sandra Raymond, president and CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America, said. “Through our efforts, we are challenging what isn’t working by funding research that will help to uncover the causes of lupus, understand its progression and identify smarter and more efficient ways to accelerate the search for treatments and cures that ultimately will end lupus forever.”
Grants, fellowships and awards will be awarded to projects in several areas.
The LIFELINE Grant Program is for studies that have been victims of government funding cuts. This award will provide one year of salary support for faculty involved in the study while those involved seek larger grants.
The Stem Cells in Lupus Award is for projects assessing possible therapeutic benefits of adults stem cells in the treatment of lupus; the Environmental Triggers of Lupus Award will fund projects that address the part the environment plays in lupus and lupus flare-ups.
The Health Outcomes in Pediatric Lupus Award will support projects aimed at enhancing short-term and long-term prognoses of children and teens living with lupus. It is a grant given through the Lupus Foundation of America's Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Research Program.
The Career Development Award funds projects undertaken by fledgling researchers who are considering becoming lupus clinician-scientists. The Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program will lend support to the lupus studies of young scientists who are working with more experienced researchers.
More information -- including guidelines and applications -- is available at www.lupus.org/rfa. The application deadline is April 8.
