The overall goal is to establish working relationships similar to our longstanding relationships with NIAMS and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease. Through these new relationships, we are able to communicate the ACR’s research agenda, identify new funding opportunities, and foster and facilitate the exchange of ideas in consideration of future funding opportunities.
REF Bridge Funding
The ACR Research and Education Foundation (REF) also works closely with NIAMS and other relevant NIH Institutes and Centers to ensure the future of our academic workforce. As reductions in overall NIH funding have resulted in scientifically sound applications going unfunded, the REF continues to bridge this funding gap through the Career Development Bridge Funding Award, co-funded with the Arthritis Foundation.
This award is designed to provide short-term support for our rheumatologist and rheumatology health professional constituents who have applied for K23 or K08 mentored career development awards that have strong scientific merit but will not be funded by NIH in this cycle. We believe that this support will provide the encouragement they need, as well as allow protected time from their institutions, that will lead to success in obtaining their K awards and ultimately to independent funding.
Promoting research funding is vital to bring about the treatments and cures needed to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from rheumatic disease.
