Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Jewish Fertility Foundation

Career Development Bridge Funding Awards: K & R Bridge

Give

2022 Annual Report

2020 Annual Report

2019 Annual Report

2017 Annual Report

2015 Annual Report

2014 Annual Report

2013 Annual Report

2012 Annual Report

Yesterday, students and residents joined us for the Choose Rheumatology Experience, an inspiring event introducing future physicians to the field of rheumatology. Attendees explored scholarship and preceptorship opportunities, heard from a diverse panel of rheumatology professionals, and participated in engaging roundtable discussions on topics ranging from research and mentorship to clinical practice, career pathways, and work-life balance. The future of rheumatology is bright! #ACR26 #ChooseRheum

Last evening, the Rheumatology Research Foundation hosted the annual Donors of Merit event to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations whose support helps advance our mission. The generosity of the Rheumatology Research Foundation community has driven advancements in research, education, and patient care for over 40 years. Since 1985, donor support has enabled the Foundation to commit over $256 million to fund 5,281 grants. We also celebrated the induction of our newest members of the Foundation’s Honorary Board of Advisors: ✨ Joel Kremer, MD and Sara Kremer who committed over $1 million to fuel the most promising research and established the Joel Kremer, MD, and Sara Kremer Career Development Research Fund to support early and mid-career investigators. ✨ Steve Russell, MBA, former Foundation board member and inaugural chair of the Impact Advisory Council, has been a dedicated champion of patient and caregiver engagement. His leadership and advocacy have played an important role in expanding the Foundation’s awareness, visibility, and reach among the communities it serves. Thank you to everyone whose unwavering support continues to shape the future of rheumatology! #ACR26

1 in 4 U.S. adults live with arthritis. Today, on World Arthritis Day, we recognize the millions of people worldwide living with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. At the Rheumatology Research Foundation, our mission is to improve the lives of people impacted by rheumatic disease by advancing research and training. Through research, discovery, and the development of the next generation of rheumatology professionals, we’re working toward a future of better treatments, improved care, and healthier lives. Together, we’re advancing research and creating hope. #WorldArthritisDay #RheumResearch #ArthritisAwareness

Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Fellowship Training Award and Fellowship Training Award for Workforce Expansion! The Fellowship Training Award supports promising rheumatology fellows at institutions across the U.S., strengthening the pipeline of future rheumatologists. The Fellowship Training Award for Workforce Expansion extends that investment by helping fund previously unfilled ACGME-approved positions due to funding constraints or supporting the creation of new fellowship slots or programs. Together, these awards aim to close the access to care gap in rheumatology. Through these investments, the Foundation is helping develop the next generation of rheumatologists and build a stronger, more accessible rheumatology workforce. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients! Learn more about the awardees in the latest issue of the Foundation Voice.

Are you a rheumatologist looking to train a nurse practitioner or physician assistant who is new to the field of rheumatology at your clinical practice? The Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Mentored Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Award for Workforce Expansion provides $25,000 in support for one year of training and integration of new NPs and PAs into the field of rheumatology. By supporting tailored training for advanced practice providers, this award expands the pipeline of rheumatology healthcare providers across the United States, particularly in geographically underserved areas. 📅 Applications are due December 1, 2026, by 5 PM ET. This cycle, supplemental funding is also available through this award for additional training focused on osteoporosis and metabolic bone health for advanced practice providers thanks to the Andrew J. Laster, MD Fund for Education and Training in Metabolic Bone Disease. Learn more about this award and view the Request for Applications on our website. #rheumatology #rheumatologyeducation #nursepractitioner #physicianassistant #healthcaretraining #mentorship #workforceexpansion

Neda Amiri Rad watched her mother live with the pain and challenges of rheumatoid arthritis. Now, as a PhD candidate at Binghamton University, that experience is fueling research that could make a difference for people living with autoimmune diseases. Her research explores how genes interact in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases in hopes of advancing earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments. The Rheumatology Research Foundation is proud to invest in Neda’s future through the Choose Rheumatology Scholarship. By inspiring and supporting the next generation of rheumatology professionals, the program helps build a strong pipeline of researchers and clinicians committed to advancing the field and improving the lives of people impacted by rheumatic disease. Read Neda’s story in the full article from @binghamtonu! #chooserheum #rheumatology #rheumresearch #rheumatoidarthritis

Congratulations to the 2026 Clinician Scholar Educator Award Recipient, Ginger Janow, MD, MPH! Through this award, the Rheumatology Research Foundation supports educators dedicated to developing new and improved programs to enhance education in musculoskeletal and rheumatic diseases. These award recipients are committed to preparing the next generation of rheumatology professionals for successful careers inpatient care and research. We’re excited to celebrate Dr. Janow and the work she is pursuing to advance rheumatology education. By supporting the development of future rheumatology professionals, this work helps strengthen the field and ultimately improve care and outcomes for patients with rheumatic diseases. Learn more about Dr. Janow’s project in the latest issue of the Foundation Voice. #rheumatology #scholareducator #healthcareprofessionals #rheumatologyeducation #rheumresearch

There is just one week left to apply for the Foundation’s K & R Bridge awards! The Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Career Development Bridge Funding Awards provide critical support for investigators as they continue advancing innovative research while revising outstanding grant applications. Applications are due October 1, 2026 by 5 PM ET! ✨K BRIDGE: Supports junior investigators reapplying for an NIH or VA career development award. 💰 $75,000 | 📅 1-year award 🌟 Highlighted Topic: Psoriatic Arthritis Through a generous contribution from the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinics Multicenter Advancement Network (PPACMAN), one K Bridge award will support research focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of psoriatic arthritis. ✨R BRIDGE: Supports established independent investigators who are revising outstanding NIH R01 or VA RCS/ORD applications and are at risk of running out of research funding. 💰 $200,000 | 📅 2-year award Learn more about these awards on our website. https://www.rheumresearch.org/career-development-research-awards

This Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, we’re highlighting an issue that matters to every person living with rheumatic disease: access to care. Projections indicate demand for rheumatology care could increase by 138% by 2034, while the number of available rheumatologists could decrease by 31%. These numbers could mean longer wait times for appointments and more challenges finding a rheumatology specialist when you need one. That’s why strengthening the rheumatology workforce today is so important. By supporting education, training, and recruitment opportunities for the next generation of rheumatology professionals, we’re working toward a future where more patients can access the specialized care they need to live healthier lives. Learn how the Foundation's Fellowship Training Award for Workforce Expansion helped the Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle recruit four new adult rheumatology fellows and how this investment is expanding the center’s capacity to meet growing patient needs on the RheumLab. #ChooseRheum #RheumResearch #rheumatology #RDAM #rheumaticdisease #rheum #rheumaticdiseaseawareness #rheumatologyfellowship

Help us congratulate Zandra Walton, MD, PhD, the 2026 recipient of the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Tobé and Stephen E. Malawista, MD, Endowment in Academic Rheumatology! 🎉 Established through the generosity of Mrs. Tobé and Dr. Stephen Malawista, this endowment provides a permanent source of support for early career physician-scientists pursuing basic science research and building careers in academic rheumatology. By investing in promising investigators at a pivotal point in their professional journeys, the endowment empowers the next generation to drive discovery and innovation in rheumatology. Learn more about the recipient and their research in the latest issue of the Foundation Voice. #RheumResearch #rheumatology

Are you a junior investigator pursuing psoriatic arthritis research? The Rheumatology Research Foundation’s K Bridge Award can provide critical support as you reapply for an NIH or VA career development award. This year, thanks to a generous contribution from PPACMAN, one K Bridge Award will specifically support research focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Applications are due October 1, 2026 by 5 PM ET! See the full details and apply on our website. #RheumResearch #PsoriaticArthritis #NIH #VA #PsoriaticArthritisResearch #ResearchGrant

Through the Empowering Lupus Research Partnership with the @lupusresearchalliance, the Rheumatology Research Foundation is investing in innovative research aimed at a critical goal: accelerating the discovery of next-generation lupus diagnostics and curative treatments. We are excited to celebrate the first group of award recipients supported by this partnership. These five5 recipients are bringing fresh ideas and new approaches to some of the most important challenges in lupus research. Their work represents an important step toward earlier diagnosis, more effective treatments, and, ultimately, a future where lupus can be cured. We’re proud to support these researchers as they push the boundaries of what’s possible and help advance the next generation of lupus research. Learn more about the Empowering Lupus Research Partnership recipients and the research they’re pursuing in the latest issue of the Foundation Voice. #RheumResearch #FoundationVoice #lupus #lupusresearch #lupusawareness

September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, a time to recognize the millions of people affected by rheumatic diseases, including more than 300K children. 💙 For children living with rheumatic disease, early access to specialized care can make a meaningful difference. That’s why supporting the next generation of pediatric rheumatology professionals and researchers is so important. The Rheumatology Research Foundation is investing in the future of pediatric rheumatology through programs such as: 🔬 Pediatric Rheumatology Fellow Research Award — recognizing outstanding research by pediatric rheumatology fellows and helping them share their work with the broader rheumatology community. 👩‍⚕️ Pediatric Visiting Professorship — connecting institutions with pediatric rheumatology expertise and expanding opportunities for medical students and residents to learn about the field. 🎓 Fellowship Training Awards — supporting the training of rheumatology fellows and helping build a stronger workforce to care for children and adults living with rheumatic disease. This Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, we’re proud to support the people working to make a difference for the youngest members of the rheumatology community. Learn more about these awards on our website. #RDAM #RheumResearch #rheumatology #pediatricrheumatology

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) doesn’t look the same for everyone—and research supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation is helping us understand why. With support from the Foundation’s Scientist Development Award, Dr. Paras Karmacharya and his team followed people with PsA over time and identified distinct patterns in how skin and joint symptoms affect patients. Their findings suggest that PsA may include different subgroups, which could have important implications for how the disease is treated. What could this mean for people living with PsA? 💙 More personalized care: Treatment could be better matched to a person’s specific disease pattern. 💙 Better planning: Understanding disease subgroups may help doctors anticipate how PsA could progress. 💙 Better outcomes: More targeted treatment could mean less trial and error and a better quality of life. Learn more about Dr. Karmacharya's research on the RheumLab. #RheumResearch #RDAM #Rheumatology #PsA #PsoriaticArthritis #medicalresearch #chronicillness

Whether you’re a student exploring rheumatology, a resident interested in research, or an early-career clinician or researcher focused on health communication, these opportunities can help you build valuable skills, expand your mentorship network and take the next step in your career. 🎓 Medical and Graduate Student Preceptorship Experience a full-time clinical or research mentorship with an established rheumatology professional. Choose a 4- or 8-week clinical preceptorship or an 8-week research preceptorship. Awards range from $2,000–$4,000, plus $1,000 in travel expenses and complimentary registration to ACR Convergence. 💬 Lawren H. Daltroy Preceptorship in Health Communication Receive support for training, career development and/or research skills focused on improving patient-clinician communication. Applicants must have no current or prior R01 or R01-equivalent funding. This award provides up to $15,000 for 1 year. 🔬 Resident Research Preceptorship Complete a 3-month, full-time research experience with an established rheumatology professional. The award provides $15,000 and is designed to encourage residents to pursue careers in rheumatology research. 📅 Applications are due November 2, 2026 by 5 PM ET. See each award description for eligibility requirements and deadlines. Explore the Requests for Applications and find the opportunity that’s right for you on our website. #RheumResearch #Rheumatology #MedicalStudents

Congratulations to the newest recipients of the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Scientist Development Award! 🎉 These emerging investigators are bringing fresh ideas, curiosity, and innovation to rheumatology research. The Scientist Development Award supports rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals as they take their first steps in developing research programs and exploring new approaches to some of the field’s most important questions. We’re proud to invest in these five investigators at the beginning of their journeys, and we are also excited to see how their work will contribute to new discoveries and, ultimately, better outcomes for people living with rheumatic disease. Please join us in congratulating the 2026 Scientist Development Award recipients and celebrating theprogress forward! Learn more about this year’s recipients and their work in the latest issue of the Foundation Voice: https://magazine.rheumresearch.org/foundation-voice-summer-2026

Over the past five years, support from the Rheumatology Research Foundation has helped investigators turn promising ideas into meaningful research and lasting impact resulting in: 🔬 78 subsequent NIH grants totaling $109.7 million 📚 451 publications in peer-reviewed literature 🎤 58 presentations at 2025 ACR Convergence These numbers amount to more than just grants, papers, and presentations. They represent researchers advancing discovery, building careers, and sharing novel insights with the rheumatology community. We’re proud to support the rheumatology professionals whose work continues to move the field forward.

Are you an Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) member looking to advance your career in rheumatology? The Rheumatology Research Foundation offers a range of grant opportunities designed to support rheumatology professionals at different stages of your careers. ARP members can explore opportunities that support research, career development and education and training. Foundation funding helps turn ideas into impact, strengthens expertise, and advances the future of rheumatology. Learn more about available funding eligibility, and how the Foundation can support your research and training journey in this article featured in The Rheumatologist. https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/a-guide-to-rheumatology-research-foundation-grants-for-arp-members/?singlepage=1

The future of rheumatology research starts with supporting the next generation of investigators. Join us in celebrating the newest recipients of the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Investigator Award! These early-career researchers are pursuing innovative studies that can potentially deepen our understanding of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and shape the future of patient care. Through the Investigator Award, the Foundation helps promising junior investigators take an important step toward establishing themselves as independent researchers and building a foundation for future discovery. Get to know this year’s recipients and learn more about the research they’re leading in the latest issue of the Foundation Voice through the link in our bio..

Over the past five years, the Rheumatology Research Foundation has invested in the future of rheumatology research—supporting 175 research and career development grants with more than $42 million in funding. These grants have supported innovative work across a wide range of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and research focus areas, helping advance discovery and develop the next generation of rheumatology researchers. Explore the research and careers made possible through Foundation funding at RheumLab.org.

Congratulations to the latest class of Innovative Research Award recipients! These independent investigators are advancing rheumatology research through innovative work that seeks to uncover new insights into the causes, progression, treatment, and outcomes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Learn more about the latest award recipients and their research projects in the latest issue of Foundation Voice. Find the link in our bio.

Keep your research moving forward with bridge funding from the Rheumatology Research Foundation. The Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Career Development Bridge Funding Awards provide critical support for investigators as they continue advancing innovative research while revising outstanding grant applications. K Bridge - Career Development Bridge Funding Award Designed for junior investigators reapplying for an NIH or VA career development award. 💰 $75,000 | 📅 1-year award 🗓️ Application deadline: October 1, 2026, at 5 PM ET 🌟 Highlighted Topic: Psoriatic Arthritis Through a generous contribution from the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinics Multicenter Advancement Network (PPACMAN), one K Bridge award will support research focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of psoriatic arthritis. R Bridge - Career Development Bridge Funding Award Supports established independent investigators who are revising outstanding NIH R01 or VA RCS/ORD applications and are at risk of running out of research funding. 💰 $200,000 | 📅 2-year award 🗓️ Application deadline: October 1, 2026, at 5 PM ET Learn more about these awards and apply by October 1 on our website. https://www.rheumresearch.org/career-development-research-awards

$256M+ committed. 5,281 awards funded. One mission since 1985. Because of you, we're one of the nation's largest private funders of rheumatology research, training and education. Thank you for helping us invest in the people and discoveries that will change lives. #RheumResearch #ChooseRheum

Supporting early-career investigators helps drive the next generation of discoveries in rheumatology. We're proud to celebrate Kentaro Yomogida, MD, a past recipient of the Rheumatology Research Foundation's Tobé and Stephen E. Malawista, MD, Endowment in Academic Rheumatology, who is featured by The Rheumatologist as he shared his journey to become a physician-scientist. His research is advancing our understanding of the immune mechanisms behind JIA and laying the foundation for more targeted therapies in the future. Research like Dr. Yomogida's has the potential to: • Reveal the biological pathways that drive juvenile idiopathic arthritis. • Inform the development of more precise, personalized treatments for children living with JIA. Congratulations to Dr. Yomogida on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your commitment to advancing pediatric rheumatology. Read the feature in the July issue of The Rheumatologist: https://bit.ly/4fKd6yJ

Meet the people shaping the future of rheumatology. 🌟 The Foundation's newest Award Recipients are a remarkable group of researchers, clinicians, educators, and future leaders whose work is advancing scientific discovery, strengthening the rheumatology workforce, and improving care for people with rheumatic diseases. Join us in celebrating their achievements and the impact they'll have on the future of rheumatology. Congratulations to all of our 2026 Award Recipients! Learn more about our latest recipients in the Summer issue of the Foundation Voice at the link in our bio., #Rheumatology #RheumResearch #ChooseRheum

Foundation-supported research is advancing our understanding of systemic sclerosis and improving patient care. Research found that certain gastrointestinal symptoms may help predict future cardiac complications in people with systemic sclerosis—findings that could support earlier identification of patients at higher risk and inform clinical care. This work was supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation's Career Development Bridge Funding Award: K Supplement received by Zsuzsanna McMahan, MD, MHS. Why this matters for patients: ✨ Earlier identification of people at higher risk for heart complications could lead to more proactive monitoring and care. ✨ Better understanding of the connection between gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms may help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions and improve long-term outcomes. Learn more about this research: https://wb.md/44LyiOw #RheumResearch #rheumatology #systemicsclerosis #systemicsclerosis #patientcare #medicalscience

The Summer 2026 issue of The Foundation Voice spotlights our 2026 Award Recipients— a remarkable group of researchers, clinicians, educators, and future leaders whose work is advancing scientific discovery, strengthening the rheumatology workforce, and improving care for people with rheumatic diseases. You'll also find upcoming award deadlines, updates on Foundation-supported research, and highlights from the 2026 Investigators Meeting. Read the latest issue and share the stories that inspire you. Find the link to the latest Foundation Voice in our bio. #RheumResearch #ChooseRheum #rheumatology #rheumatologyresearchfoundation #ScientificDiscovery #FutureLeaders

There is still time for students, residents and fellows to apply for the Foundation’s ACR Convergence Awards! These awards provide an opportunity for aspiring rheumatologists to experience the field firsthand at @ACRheum Convergence 2026. Applications are due August 3, 2026 by 5 PM ET! Learn more and apply at Rheumresearch.org #RheumResearch #ACRConvergence #MedicalStudents #FutureDoctors

Thank you, @floridasocietyrheumatology for the opportunity to be part of your 2026 Annual Meeting. We were grateful for the opportunity to connect with Florida’s rheumatology community, share the Foundation’s mission, and highlight the meaningful impact of FSR’s partnership across the state. We are especially thankful for FSR’s continued investment in the Rheumatology Research Foundation. Together, we’re advancing research, strengthening the rheumatology workforce, and shaping the future of patient care.

Happy World Cup Final Day! Our Foundation Vice President, Vikas Majithia proudly represented the Rheumatology Research Foundation at a FIFA World Cup match, Foundation gear and all! We love seeing our community spread our mission wherever they go, whether at scientific meetings or the world’s biggest sporting event. Who are you cheering for today? Let us know in the comments! #WorldCup #WorldCupFinal #RheumatologyResearchFoundation #RheumResearch #SpainvsArgentina

July is Juvenile Arthritis (JA) Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the hundreds of thousands of children living with juvenile arthritis and other pediatric rheumatic diseases. JA is more than "growing pains." It can cause chronic pain, joint swelling, fatigue, and other serious health challenges, but with early diagnosis, expert care, and continued research, children with JA can thrive. This month, we honor the resilience of patients and families, celebrate the dedication of rheumatology professionals, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing research and training to improve the health of patients living with rheumatic disease. Together, we can raise awareness, support innovation, strengthen the rheumatology workforce and bring hope to every child affected by juvenile arthritis. #JA #JuvenileArthritis #JAAwareness #pediatrichealth #chronicillness #rheumatology

The next deadline to apply for two of the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s preceptorships is August 3, 2026! These funding opportunities support one-on-one, real-world learning experiences for students and residents to learn more about rheumatology under the mentorship of an established rheumatology professional. ✨ Medical and Graduate Student Preceptorship: a full-time clinical or research mentorship with an established rheumatology professional for medical and graduate students 💰Award Amount: $2,000-$4,000 plus $1,000 for travel expenses and complimentary registration to ACR Convergence 📆 Award Term: Students can choose a four- or eight-week clinical preceptorship or an eight-week research preceptorship ✨ Resident Research Preceptorship: a full-time, in-depth research experience with an established rheumatology professional for residents 💰Award Amount: $15,000 📆Award Term: 3 Months Learn more and apply on the Foundation’s website at RheumResearch.org/Preceptorships #RheumResearch #MedicalPreceptorships #ChooseRheum #rheumatology #MedicalStudents #MedicalResidents #ResearchOpportunities #MedicalEducation

Breakthroughs in rheumatology research begin with investing in promising investigators. New research from Penn Vet is shedding light on how disruptions in X chromosome silencing may contribute to lupus and other autoimmune diseases—advancing our understanding of why these conditions disproportionately affect women. This research could one day improve the lives of patients by: ✨ Explaining why women are significantly more likely than men to develop lupus and many other autoimmune diseases. ✨ Paving the way for more precise, personalized treatments designed to address the biological drivers of autoimmune disease in women. ✨ Improving outcomes for women through earlier diagnosis, more targeted therapies, and reduced long-term disease complications. We're proud that this work was supported in part by the Rheumatology Research Foundation through the Scientist Development Award received by Nikhil Jiwrajka, MD and the Rheumatology Future Physician Scientist Award received by Claudia Lovell, PhD. By investing in the next generation of rheumatology researchers, we're helping drive discoveries that have the potential to improve the lives of people living with rheumatic diseases. Read more about the research in this article from @uofpenn's Penn Today: https://bit.ly/4af5WiO #Rheumatology #ResearchMatters #Lupus #AutoimmuneDisease #MedicalResearch #PhysicianScientists #RheumResearch

The deadline to submit letters of intent to apply for the Innovative Research Award is almost here! This award provides funding for innovative studies focused on generating new insights into the cause, progression, treatment, and outcomes of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Investigators interested in applying should submit their letters of intent by July 15, 2026 by 5 PM ET! 💰Award Amount: Up to $200,000 per year 📆Award Term: Up to 2 Years If you're an independent academic investigator with an innovative research idea, don't miss this opportunity. Visit RheumResearch.org to learn more about the application process and submit your Letter of Intent. #Rheumatology #RheumResearch #ResearchFunding #MedicalResearch #MusculoskeletalResearch #RheumaticDiseases #AcademicResearch #ResearchGrants #ClinicalResearch #GrantOpportunity

There are only a couple days left to submit letters of intent for the Rheumatology Research Foundation's Scientist Development Award and Investigator Award! These two funding opportunities support early-career and junior investigators conducting innovative research. The required letters of intent are due by 5 PM ET on July 1, 2026. ✨ Scientist Development Award Support for individuals in the early stages of their career or those without significant prior research experience. Award Amount: Up $225,000 Award Term: Up to 3 Years ✨ Investigator Award Support for junior investigators to conduct innovative research Award Amount: Up to $375,000 Award Term: Up to 3 Years There are also several highlighted topics and a notice of special interest for funding available for projects focused on adult dermatomyositis, spondyloarthritis, and lupus! Learn more about these funding opportunities at RheumResearch.org

We started off day two of the Investigators Meeting with presentations from award recipients whose research focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and later will hear the latest insights from projects focused on fibrosis, and scleroderma. We're looking forward to another day as emerging and established investigators share new discoveries, insights, and ideas that will help shape the future of rheumatology research. Thank you to all of the investigators and volunteers who contributed their time, expertise, and insights over the past two days. The collaboration, mentorship, and exchange of ideas that took place throughout the meeting are essential to advancing rheumatology research and improving the lives of patients. #RheumResearch #rheumatology #fibrosisresearch #scleroderma #rheumatologyresearch

This morning, we are kicking off the 19th Annual Investigators Meeting! Over the next two days, 42 Foundation-supported investigators will gather to exchange research updates, build new connections, and discuss the latest advances in rheumatology. We're also excited to welcome our dedicated volunteers and a #RheumChampion, who will share their personal perspective and experiences throughout the meeting. This year's meeting is especially meaningful as it coincides with the American College of Rheumatology's Rheumatology Research Workshop, bringing established investigators, trainees, and early-career researchers together under one roof. The Foundation's first- and second-year Scientist Development Award recipients will participate in the workshop, which is designed to connect trainees and early-career investigators with established leaders in the field while fostering mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth. We're looking forward to two days of science, learning, and connection as we work together to advance the future of rheumatology research.

During Scleroderma Awareness Month, we're proud to spotlight Alicia Hinze, MD, MHS, a recipient of the Foundation’s 2022 Investigator Award. Her innovative research focused on improving outcomes for people living with systemic sclerosis. Dr. Hinze’s project explored using AI-powered imaging to spot early signs of lung disease in people with systemic sclerosis—so doctors can intervene sooner and save lives. Because lung disease is a leading cause of illness and death in scleroderma, advances like these could make a meaningful difference for patients. This research has the potential to: ✨ Identify patients at risk of progressive lung scarring earlier, enabling earlier treatment ✨Support more personalized treatment decisions based on an individual’s disease risk ✨Improve monitoring by helping doctors detect worsening lung disease sooner, preserving lung function and quality of life This #SclerodermaAwarenessMonth, we're celebrating the researchers whose work is advancing the future of care for patients with this complex disease. Watch the full video on the RheumLab. https://bit.ly/46cJip8

Rare diseases like DADA2 can cause life-threatening inflammation, strokes, bone marrow failure, and other serious complications — but researchers are working to better understand why patients experience the disease so differently. With support from the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Career Development Bridge Funding: R Bridge award, Dr. Lee’s research is uncovering key immune system pathways involved in DADA2 and helping pave the way for more personalized treatments in the future. Findings from his research may impact patients by: ✨Helping doctors better predict how DADA2 will affect each patient, allowing earlier diagnosis, closer monitoring, and more personalized care. ✨ Leading to more targeted treatments by identifying the specific immune pathways involved in different forms of the disease. ✨ Building resources for future discoveries, including patient biobanks and laboratory models that may accelerate the development of new therapies for DADA2 and related inflammatory diseases. Learn more about this research and its impact on the RheumLab. https://bit.ly/4vxXC5X

The Foundation is accepting applications for the Scientist Development Award. Investigators in the early stages of their career or who do not have significant prior research experience are welcome to apply for funding to conduct innovative research. Required letters of intent are due July 1, 2026 by 5 PM ET and applications are due by August 3, 2026 by 5 PM ET. https://www.rheumresearch.org/career-development-research-awards#SDA

With support from the Foundation’s Scientist Development Award, Dr. Tarin Bigley investigated how neonatal infections might disrupt immune tolerance and lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, like lupus, later in life. Findings from this project could impact the lives of patients by: ✨Helping doctors identify people at risk for lupus earlier, before symptoms appear. ✨ Leading to new ways to prevent or delay lupus by understanding how childhood viral infections affect the immune system. ✨ Supporting the development of more personalized lupus treatments by improving understanding of how environmental exposures shape immune system dysfunction over time. These findings move the field closer to understanding why lupus develops — not just how to treat it after diagnosis. Learn more about Dr. Bigley's project in the Foundation’s 2025 Annual Report. https://bit.ly/4dyoPxJ #RheumResearch #LupusAwarenessMonth

At the Rheumatology Research Foundation, our mission is clear: to advance research and training to improve the health of patients living with rheumatic disease. To accomplish this, we focus on two critical mission priorities: 🥼 Workforce Expansion The demand for rheumatology care continues to grow. We are committed to recruiting and training the next generation of rheumatology professionals to ensure patients have access to the high-quality care they deserve. 🔬 Accelerating Discoveries Through strategic funding of innovative scientific research, we are driving breakthroughs that expand treatment options and move us closer to a future cure. Together, these priorities strengthen the field of rheumatology and bring hope to millions of patients and families. Learn more about how we’re building the future of rheumatology and how you can be part of it at RheumResearch.org

My career has been shaped by caring for patients through science, empathy, and advocacy. By including the Rheumatology Research Foundation in my long‑term plans, I’m supporting the discoveries and clinicians our patients will rely on tomorrow. Leave your mark on the future of rheumatology. https://legacy.rheumresearch.org/contact-us #WhyIGive #LegacyGiving #Rheumatology

If you are revising an outstanding NIH R01 or VA RCS/ORD award application and are at risk of running out of research funding, you may be eligible for the Career Development Bridge Funding Award: R Bridge! This award helps to sustain promising research careers during critical funding gaps. Applications are due June 1, 2026 by 5 PM ET. https://bit.ly/3P2nqri

The Rheumatology Research Foundation is led by volunteers in the rheumatology community who are passionate about creating brighter futures for people living with rheumatic disease. Get involved with the Foundation by joining a council, peer review study section or the board of directors today! Applications are due June 1, 2026. https://rheumatology.org/volunteering

On Dermatomyositis Diagnosis Day, we’re raising awareness of dermatomyositis — a rare autoimmune disease that can cause muscle inflammation, skin rashes, fatigue, and serious complications affecting daily life. To help advance research in this disease area, the Norman Family Fund for Dermatomyositis Research supports investigators pursuing innovative research focused on adult dermatomyositis. Applicants are encouraged to apply through the Foundation’s: 🔹 Scientist Development Award 🔹 Investigator Award 🔹 Innovative Research Award Explore the eligibility, application requirements, and review criteria at rheumresearch.org/awards-grants/nosi #dermatomyositis #rheumresearch #dermatology #rheumatologist

Despite advances in the field, many people still have limited treatment options for inflammatory diseases. @GileadSciences is leveraging its extensive expertise in immunology to unlock next-generation therapies with the hope of bringing effective treatments to as many people as possible. Through the Corporate Roundtable, Gilead continues to be a strong supporter of the Foundation as it fulfills its mission to advance scientific breakthroughs, strengthen the rheumatology workforce, and improve the lives of people living with rheumatic disease.

Today is #WorldLupusDay, an opportunity to raise awareness about lupus, a serious and potentially life threatening autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide. Progress in research and treatment is ongoing, but continued investment is critical to improve care and ultimately find a cure. 💜 Join us by educating a friend, supporting someone living with lupus, and wearing purple today (and all month long). #LupusAwarenessMonth #LupusAwareness #WearPurple

Collective

Collections

Account

Help

Rheumatology Research Foundation

Latest

Updates

Long reads

About

For Rheumatology Research Foundation’s team