Career Development Research Awards

About this funding opportunity

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Establishing a productive research career in rheumatology is largely dependent upon the availability of major research funding.

Increasing concerns over the decline in federal funding for rheumatology research have forced many investigators to reconsider their careers, which leads to fewer researchers making important discoveries necessary to advance treatments and find cures.

The Career Development Research Awards are designed to encourage early and mid-career investigators to continue vital research into the cause, prevention and treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Investigators interested in using data from the ACR’s RISE registry as part of their proposed research project need to get their data use request approved before applying for funding. Please visit RISE for Research for more information on RISE data. RISE data requests should be submitted at least 2 months prior to the Foundation’s application deadline. Scientist Development Award Support for individuals in the early stages of their career or those without significant prior research experience. Purpose Encourage rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals to pursue innovative research ideas Award Amount Up to $225,000 Award Term Up to 3 Years Letter of Intent In order to help recruit the most appropriate peer reviewers and assist with study section assignments, applicants are required to submit a brief, non-binding Letter of Intent to the Foundation by July 1, 2026. Submit here Application Deadline Applications are due August 3, 2026 by 5 PM ET Notice of Special Interest(NOSI)/Highlighted Topics: - Notice of Special Interest - LRA/RRF Empowering Lupus Research Partnership This cycle, in partnership with the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), the Rheumatology Research Foundation (RRF) is pleased to issue a notice of special interest (NOSI) to highlight the availability of funds aimed towards driving the discovery and development of next generation lupus diagnostics and curative treatments. Please note that this NOSI complements but does not replace the RRF’s annual programs. Funded projects via this partnership will be in addition to those funded via the standard Scientist Development Award and Investigator Award.

- Highlighted Topic: Adult Dermatomyositis Investigators pursuing novel research ideas addressing the disease area of adult dermatomyositis are encouraged to apply for funding via the Norman Family Fund for Dermatomyositis Research.

- Highlighted Topic: Spondyloarthritis Through a generous contribution by UCB, funding for one Scientist Development Award (SDA) has been provided for research focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of spondyloarthritis. Early career investigators who conduct research on spondyloarthritis, and meet all eligibility criteria, are encouraged to apply this cycle through the SDA mechanism. Please note, only applicants who were recommended for funding by the study section will be considered for this support, and UCB does not have any role or information regarding the scientific peer review process conducted by the Foundation. Explore all NOSI/Highlighted topics available in 2026 here. View Request for Applications Apply Now * Investigator Award Support for junior investigators to conduct innovative research Purpose Encourage junior investigators in the period between completing post-doctoral fellowship training; while being competitive for more significant funding and establishing themselves as independent investigators Award Amount $375,000 Award Term 3 Years Letter of Intent In order to help recruit the most appropriate peer reviewers and assist with study section assignments, applicants are required to submit a brief, non-binding Letter of Intent to the Foundation by July 1, 2026. Submit here Application Deadline Applications are due August 3, 2026 by 5 PM ET Notice of Special Interest(NOSI)/Highlighted Topics: - Notice of Special Interest - LRA/RRF…

Topic areas: Life Sciences and Health, Education and Training, Workforce Development.

Funding amount

This grant provides Varies in funding.

Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no single fixed deadline.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to the following applicant types:

• Not specified by the program.

Eligibility

The program did not publish a separate eligibility statement. See the official opportunity page for the full eligibility criteria.

Agency

Career Development Research Awards is administered by Rheumatology Research Foundation (RRF), listed via Rheumatology Research Foundation.