LRA/RRF Empowering Lupus Research Scientist Development Award

LRA/RRF Empowering Lupus Research Scientist Development Award

Funds mentored career award for early-stage lupus researchers through the LRA/RRF Empowering Lupus Research Scientist Development Award.

The LRA/RRF Empowering Lupus Research Scientist Development Award is a mentored career development grant co-administered by the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) and the Rheumatology Research Foundation (RRF), the education and research foundation of the American College of Rheumatology. The LRA, a New York 501(c)(3) (Federal Tax ID #58-2492929), has awarded over $284 million to 675+ lupus research grants; 100% of donated funds are directed to research programs. This award targets a more junior career stage than the companion Investigator Award — it is designed specifically for individuals in the early stages of their career, including those without significant prior research experience.

The award provides up to $225,000 over three years — two years of guaranteed funding with the possibility of renewal in year three. It functions as a mentored career development mechanism: funded recipients are expected to generate scientific data and develop innovative research ideas under the guidance of an established mentor, with the explicit goal of transitioning to an independent research role in areas aligned with the LRA/RRF partnership's stated goals. Eligible applicants are early-stage researchers at universities and nonprofit institutions; the award is submitted through the Rheumatology Research Foundation portal at rheumresearch.org. The program operates on a rolling basis without a fixed annual deadline. Scientific inquiries go to Mara Lennard Richard, PhD, at mrichard@lupusresearch.org; administrative inquiries to Diomaris Gonzalez at dgonzalez@lupusresearch.org.

For pre-doctoral or newly post-doctoral researchers seeking entry into lupus research with structured mentorship support, the Scientist Development Award provides up to $225K over three years to generate foundational data and build an independent research identity. The mentored structure distinguishes it from the more senior Investigator Award and is well matched to researchers transitioning into lupus from adjacent fields or completing their first independent research experience. Applicants should identify a qualified lupus investigator mentor, propose a focused data-generation plan, and articulate how the funded period prepares them for independent research at the conclusion of the award.