Stage 1 – Letter of Intent
Applicants first complete Stage 1 – the Letter of Intent (LoI). This is an online application, and not a separate document to be submitted to the FOREUM Office.
The Stage 1 application includes scientific information, a lay summary, CV, financing, and other information. The platform provides detailed instructions along with word limits for each section.
Stage 1 applications are assessed competitively by the FOREUM Scientific Committee. Applicants selected at this stage are invited to submit a full project proposal.
Applicants do not receive individual feedback at Stage 1.
Stage 2 – Full Project Proposal
Applicants selected for this stage are invited to submit a full project proposal through the AlphaFoundation platform.
The Stage 2 application also includes the full scientific proposal, lay summary, CV, and other information required for the call. These are submitted as part of the online application and should not be sent separately to the FOREUM Office.
Evaluation and Decision
All applications are independently reviewed by the FOREUM Scientific Committee and invited experts.
Scientific review considers:
- relevance to the call
- feasibility
- novelty and importance for rheumatology
- study design and processes
Proposals are also reviewed by Patient Research Partners, who assess the project from a patient perspective, including:
- active participation of people with RMDs
- potential benefits for patients
- burden of participation
Based on the review process, the FOREUM Scientific Committee makes a funding recommendation to the FOREUM Executive Committee, which takes the final funding decision.
Patient Research Partners
Active involvement of Patient Research Partners (PRPs) is strongly recommended throughout the research lifecycle, in line with EULAR and FOREUM guidelines. The role of PRPs is part of the proposal evaluation.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold an MD or PhD and be appropriately linked to RMD research in EULAR member countries. Additional eligibility requirements are specified in each call.
Ethical Standards
FOREUM expects high standards of scientific integrity and good research practice. Research involving human participants must comply with applicable ethical standards, including the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.
Important: Members of FOREUM committees and the EULAR Council are not eligible to submit or participate in applications.
The EULAR Research Consultation Service - How does it work and what can you get?
The EULAR Research Consultation Service provides access to experienced research experts who can support investigators in developing and improving research proposals in a range of RMD research areas.
Learn more about the EULAR Research Consultation Service(opens in new tab)