Establishing a research career in the rheumatology field requires the availability of major research funding. Increasing concerns over shortfalls in federal funding for investigator-driven rheumatologic research have forced many physician-scientists and health professionals to reconsider their careers.
To combat this, the REF provides research awards designed to attract early and mid-career investigators to continue vital research into the cause, prevention and treatment of rheumatic diseases.
ACR REF Rheumatology Scientist Development Award
This award encourages physicians and health professionals without significant research experience to consider careers in biomedical or clinical research by supporting a structured research training program in arthritis and rheumatic disease.
ACR REF Rheumatology Investigator Award
This award provides support for basic science and clinical investigators engaged in research relevant to rheumatic diseases for the period between the completion of post-doctoral fellowship training and establishment as an independent investigator.
ACR REF/ASP Career Development in Geriatric Medicine Award
This purpose of this award is support career development for physician scientists in the early stages of their research career. This award will serve as a supplement to the National Institute on Aging R03 mechanism under the funding announcement titled, Grants for Early Medical and Surgical Subspecialists’ Transitions to Aging Research (GEMSSTAR).
ACR REF/AF Career Development Bridge Funding Award
The purpose of this award is to provide bridge funding for promising investigators as they are revising outstanding career development awards to the NIH or VA. Through this bridge funding award, the REF plans to support early career faculty members so that they have the highest likelihood of achieving success in obtaining longer term funding.
ACR REF Disease Targeted Research Awards
Through its disease targeted research initiatives, the REF is committed to funding innovative inflammatory arthritis research that is not being done elsewhere, which will impact medical breakthroughs in rheumatic diseases.
