The deadline has passed for Novel Research Projects funding beginning in November 2008. Thank you for your robust response! Please check back for the next RFA in January 2009.

Research applications will be judged principally on novelty of the hypotheses, scientific quality, strength of approach, relevance to lupus, and likelihood of success. Creativity will be rewarded. Rationale for the hypotheses proposed rather than amount of preliminary data will be emphasized. Therefore, continuations of long-term research projects are not appropriate for this submission. Projects on aspects of the disease that have been less extensively studied and applications from investigators in diverse disciplines, including those who may not have previously worked in lupus, are encouraged. Investigations should be relevant to the pathogenesis or diagnosis of the disease, and/or therapeutic approaches to lupus.

Projects based on novel explorations of human lupus biology—innovative studies that use human material to address the physiological, cellular, molecular and/or genetic basis of human lupus—are also encouraged. Studies in animal models may serve as the background for these new investigations, but cannot be the focus of research supported by this grant mechanism. Projects on the biology of human lupus including immunoregulation, inflammation, cytokine/chemokine biology, relevant organ physiology and organ damage are appropriate.

For this grant mechanism on human lupus biology, the Institute will consider applications from individuals as well as consortia. Consortia involve collaborative investigations by two or more researchers at the same or separate institutions.
 
Both established and new investigators may apply. Applicants should hold advanced degrees and be affiliated with institutions of higher learning in the United States.  Grant applications are limited to six pages. Annual funding of up to $100,000 per year, for a term of up to three years, will be awarded for approved projects. Consortia working on human lupus biology may apply for funding of up to $300,000 per year, for a term of up to three years.

For additional information, contact Laura Hack, Grants Administrator, at lhack@lupusny.org or at 212.685.4118.