ATLANTA - The Rheumatology Research Foundation is awarding more than 135 grants to a wide range of medical professionals across the country in the field of rheumatology. The grants fund essential education, training, career development and research in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. More than 58.5 million adults in the U.S. have arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia, and, in all, arthritis and rheumatic diseases are the number one cause of work disability in the country, according to the CDC.
In the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024), the Foundation will commit $13,118,575 to fund the new class of award recipients. Roughly a quarter of these awards will support efforts to recruit and train the next generation of rheumatology professionals, which will reduce patient wait times and increase access to rheumatology care. The remaining funds will be awarded to advance research projects that will lead to breakthroughs in treating people with rheumatic diseases and to supporting the early career development of rheumatology researchers.
“The Rheumatology Research Foundation's awards portfolio allows us to support investigators who are leading efforts to expand insight into rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases that will lead us to a cure,” said Executive Director, Racheal Myslinski, MBA. “I have no doubt that the research supported by the Foundation will play a major role in improving treatment options and quality of life for people living with rheumatic disease."
Established by the American College of Rheumatology in 1985, the Foundation has committed more than $218 million to the field of rheumatology through more than 4,406 individual research and training awards. The Foundation is able to provide this critical funding because of the generous support and commitment of donors.
The latest award recipients applied for their grants last year. The applications were closely examined by experts in different areas of the field to ensure awards went to the most promising studies and programs. Recipients of the remaining awards will be announced later this year.
About the Rheumatology Research Foundation
The Rheumatology Research Foundation is the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training programs in the U.S. Established in 1985, the Foundation is focused on advancing patient care and accelerating discoveries in rheumatic diseases. More information about the Foundation can be found at rheumresearch.org.