Introduction 

The Foundation for Research in Rheumatology (FOREUM) and The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) are issuing a call to support research collaboration among investigators who wish to pursue a focused, joint project in dermatologic and rheumatic disease research. The aim of this call is to foster excellent interdisciplinary research between rheumatology and dermatology researchers.

Scope 

This grant is intended to provide 12 months of funding to independent clinical and/or basic-translational scientists with an existing track record of dermatologic and rheumatic disease research. A clear rationale will need to be provided, explicitly stating how the proposed research project will be enhanced and strengthened by being led by a rheumatologist as principal investigator (applicant) with a dermatologist as collaborator. The effort by each independent clinician and/or scientist should be clearly interrelated and synergistic so that the ideas, efforts, and outcomes of the research offer a distinct advantage over pursuing individual projects separately.

Eligibility and Requirements 

Main applicant

The following eligibility criteria apply to the investigator involved in rheumatology research.

To be eligible for this grant, the applicant must:

• be a member of a EULAR scientific society or an individual EULAR member at the time of submission and throughout the duration of the award, and come from a EULAR member country;
• hold a doctoral-level degree (MD, PhD, DO, MBBS or equivalent); and
• demonstrate research independence, scientific productivity, and career achievements.

Collaborating partners from centres in non-EULAR member countries may participate in exceptional cases (e.g. where specific scientific expertise is required) but are not eligible to receive FOREUM funding.

Please note, applicants are responsible for identifying their own collaborating partner.  FOREUM does not facilitate the pairing of researchers for applications to this award.

All award recipients must comply with FOREUM policies throughout the duration of the grant.

Patient Involvement

Participation of patient research partners is strongly recommended for all research projects to provide experiential knowledge, with the aim of improving the relevance, quality and validity of the research process. For more information, please read the material on EULAR | PARE patient research partners.

Ethical Considerations

FOREUM expects a high standard in the conduct of research it funds. For researchers this includes scientific integrity and adherence to the principles of good research practice. Patients involved in the study must be treated in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Data sharing and collaboration

Applications must include confirmation that participating centres agree to collaborate on data analyses and / or provide aggregated or raw data in accordance with applicable national regulations and the requirements of their respective governing bodies. A single sentence confirming this agreement is sufficient; no additional documentation is required.

 

Budget 

100,000 EUR for one research project over a 12-month period.

Please note that, in accordance with FOREUM’s bylaws, FOREUM cannot provide direct funding to researchers from other disciplines. However, the rheumatology partner may use their FOREUM funding to support costs related to the Co-PI's contribution.