FOREUM/RRF Partnership Award

 

Introduction
FOREUM and the Rheumatology Research Foundation (RRF) are jointly issuing a call for applications to highlight the availability of funds to support research benefitting from collaboration between investigators residing in both the U.S. and Europe. The FOREUM/RRF Partnership Award will support research collaboration among investigators who wish to pursue a focused, joint project in rheumatic disease research. This serves as a call for Letters of Intent (LOIs) due June 30th and full applications due August 31st.


Scope
This grant is intended to provide two years of funding to independent scientists with an existing track record of 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 two principal investigators, one working in the U.S. and one working in Europe. The effort 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 separately.
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 design and impact.


Award Term and Amount
This award will fund projects up to $200,000 and EUR 200,000 for two years (maximum up to $/EUR 100,000 per year/per investigator). A total of up to EUR 200,000 will be provided by FOREUM to support the European investigator and research budget. A total of up to $200,000 will be provided by the RRF to support the U.S.-based investigator and research budget.


Award Timeline

Call for Applications Issued May 1, 2023
Letter of Intent Due June 30, 2023
Applications Due August 31, 2023
Peer Review September – October 2023
Notifications Late October 2023
Formal Announcement November 2023 (ACR Convergence Meeting)
Award Start Date December 2023


European Investigator 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 centres 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.


U.S.-Based Investigator Eligibility and Guidelines:
All award recipients must abide by the Foundation Awards and Grants Policies at all times. To be eligible for this award, the applicant must:

 

  • Be a member of the ACR or ARP at the time of submission and for the duration of the award,
  • Hold a doctoral-level degree (MD, PhD, DO, MBBS or equivalent),
  • Have a faculty appointment (instructor, assistant professor, etc.) at a U.S.-based academic center or research institution at the time of application and for the duration of the award,
  • 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 June 30th via the link below. 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)
  • European Applicant- Administrative Details
  • U.S. Applicant- Administrative Details
  • Information on Patient Research Partners (if applicable)


LOIs can be submitted via an online form found here: Partnership Award Letter of Intent


Full Project Proposal
Project applications will be due via email to both organizations by August 31st. Templates, page limitations, and formatting instructions will be sent to all partnership teams upon submission of the LOI. Project applications will include:

  • Abstract
  • Lay Summary
  • Research Plan
  • Project Milestones and Timelines
  • Budget
  • Applicant CVs

Review Criteria
Scientific excellence of the applicant as well as 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). In addition, applications will be judged on how well synergized the project is and how it is enhanced and strengthened by being led by the partnering research teams in the U.S. and Europe.


Applications will be assessed independently by RRF and FOREUM reviewers. A joint meeting between both review teams will be held to determine the final selected application. We intend to fund one award during the first cycle of funding.


Inquiries
If you have any questions about your eligibility or submitting your application, please contact:

  • FOREUM Secretariat at info@foreum.org
  • Rheumatology Research Foundation staff at Foundation@rheumatology.org


Note: Neither FOREUM nor the RRF will work to pair individuals to work together for submission of this award.

 

Download the call text

FOREUM Grants