FOREUM interdisciplinary research grant on Rheumatology and Nephrology

Introduction

The Foundation for Research in Rheumatology (FOREUM) is issuing a joint call for proposals in the fields of Rheumatology and Nephrology to highlight the availability of funding to support research that benefits from collaboration between the two disciplines.

This Interdisciplinary Call will support research collaborations among investigators who wish to pursue a focused, joint project to investigate rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs), and renal diseases. This serves as a call for Letters of Intent (LOIs) due 10 November 2024 and full applications due 02 February 2025.

Scope

This grant is intended to provide one year of funding to independent clinicians and/or scientists with an existing track record of rheumatic disease research and kidney/renal 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 two principal investigators, one working in the field of RMDs and one working in the field of renal diseases. The efforts by each investigator should be clearly interrelated and synergistic so that the ideas, efforts, and outcomes of the research offer a distinct advantage over pursuing individual projects.

Participation of patient research partners is required for all research projects to provide experiential knowledge, with the aim of improving the relevance, quality and validity of the research design and impact, as described in: EULAR recommendations for the involvement of patient research partners in rheumatology research: 2023 update: https://doi.org/10.1136/ard-2024-225566.

Research Grant Term and Amount

This call for research grants will fund one projects with a total amount of EUR 50`000 (maximum EUR 25`000 for each PI from rheumatology and nephrology) for one year.

Call timeline

  • Call issued: 01 October 2024
  • Closing date for Letter of intent: 10 November 2024
  • Decisions on Letter of intent announced: 09 December 2024
  • Closing date for full proposals: 02 February 2025
  • Decisions on full proposals announced: 21 March 2025

Investigator involved in rheumatic disease research Eligibility and Guidelines:

All award recipients must always abide by FOREUM policies. To be eligible for this award, the applicant must:

  • Be a member via a EULAR scientific society or an individual EULAR member at the time of submission and for the duration of the award, must come from EULAR membership countries.
  • Collaboration partners from centers from non-EULAR membership countries can participate as partners in exceptional cases (e.g., specific scientific expertise), but will not be eligible to receive research funding.
  • Not be a member of the FOREUM Committees and the EULAR Council Committee.
  • Hold a doctoral-level degree (MD, PhD, DO, MBBS or equivalent).
  • Exhibit evidence of research independence, scientific productivity and career accomplishments.

Joint Letter of Intent

All applicants considering submission of a proposal are required to submit a letter of intent (LOI) by 10 November 2024 via e-mail to info@foreum.org.

  • Key Information that will be submitted as part of the LOI includes:
  • Project Title and 300 Word Abstract
  • Disease Area
  • Science Category (Basic, Translational or Clinical Science)
  • Investigator Applicants- Administrative Details
  • Information on Patient Research Partners (if applicable)

Templates

Full Project Proposal

Templates, page limitations, and formatting instructions will be sent to selected investigators upon decision of the LOI. Project applications will be due by 02 February 2025.

  • Project applications will include:
  • Abstract
  • Lay Summary
  • Research Plan (also pointing out the interrelationship and synergism)
  • Project Milestones and Timelines
  • Budget (cofounding included)
  • Applicant CV

Review Criteria

Scientific excellence of the applicant as well as creative innovation potential, impact and feasibility of the planned project will be important aspects of the full application together with clear evidence of support and necessary research infrastructure. Inclusion of patient partners will also be considered in the review process (FOREUM – Involving PRP).

For more information, please read the material on PARE Patient Research Partners | EULAR.

In addition, applications will be evaluated based on how well synergized the project is and how it is enhanced and strengthened by being led by the partnering research investigators in RMD and renal disease research fields.

Inquiries

If you have any questions about your eligibility or submitting your application, please contact FOREUM Secretariat at info@foreum.org

Note FOREUM will not work to pair individuals to work together for submission of this award.

FOREUM Grants