New awards build on previous successful partnership
Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), Lupus Research Alliance, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are jointly seeking applications from investigators across autoimmune and other relevant fields to advance the understanding of autoimmunity with the Common Mechanisms in Autoimmunity Insight Awards. These funding awards will build upon the initial success of this co-funded program in 2021.
Autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases are conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, tissues, or organs, leading to inflammation and damage. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that over 50 million Americans are affected by more than 80 different autoimmune diseases. Some of these diseases, like type 1 diabetes (T1D), specifically target one area, such as the pancreas, while others, like multiple sclerosis (MS), impact the nervous system. In contrast, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can affect the entire body, attacking almost any organ or tissue.
The initial grants, awarded in 2019, were instrumental in increasing the collective understanding of autoimmunity. These awards furthered our understanding of how similar the mechanisms underlying autoimmunity are despite the vast differences in how these diseases manifest.
Insight Awards
The goal of the Insight Awards is to generate additional proof-of-concept data that can illuminate new insights into autoimmunity, inform new therapeutic strategies, and serve as a foundation for assembling future collaborative projects combining multiple areas of expertise and scientific approaches.
Investigators are encouraged to apply for an Insight Award with proposals that address a significant gap or need relevant to multiple autoimmune diseases, particularly those that impact at least two of the following: Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (or one of its manifestations), and Type 1 Diabetes.
The Insight Awards will fund projects up to $150,000 available (including 10% indirect costs).
Visit DecodingAutoimmunity.org to learn about the RFAs and apply.
About Breakthrough T1D (Formerly JDRF)
As the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life with type 1 diabetes better while driving toward cures. We do this by investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with government to address issues that impact the T1D community, and helping educate and empower individuals facing this condition.
About the Lupus Research Alliance
The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus research, fostering diverse scientific talent, and driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and ultimately a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance’s Board of Directors fund all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations goes to support lupus research programs.
Visit LupusResearch.org to learn more about lupus and the research LRA is funding to find new treatments and a cure.
About the National MS Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.
