Now accepting applications for two research grant programs

March 18, 2011 - PRLog -- In support of its goal of funding lupus research, the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota (LFM) is now accepting 2011 grant applications for basic or clinical research projects as well as its Student Summer Fellowship program, which provides research opportunities to undergraduate students.

Student Summer Research Fellowships
The fellowship program fosters an interest in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) research among undergraduates by providing an opportunity for promising young scientists to participate in basic or clinical research with an established investigator. The students are connected with a faculty researcher at a local institution (University of Minnesota and new in 2011 the Mayo Clinic).

Fellowships are generally 12 weeks, but final hours and schedules are based on researcher and project specifics. LFM is seeking the best and the brightest! Spread the word to any ambitious college student who may be interested.

The LFM research committee considers fellowship opportunities to be very important in raising awareness and interest among a new generation of lupus researchers toward ultimately finding a cure.

Application deadline is May 6.

Downloadable applications for the fellowship program are available under the research tab at lupusmn.org. For more information, contact LFM President Jennifer Monroe at 952-746-5151 or jmonroe@lupusmn.org.

2011 Research Grants
The goal of this program is to support basic or clinical research projects within the foundation’s service area, consistent with the foundation’s goal of finding better treatments and an eventual cure for lupus.

There are no limitations on the types of grants which will be considered, but priority will be given to requests meeting the following criteria:

1.   Pilot projects designed to obtain sufficient data to justify a request for major grant support from a funding agency with greater resources.

2.   Small projects of limited scope, which would have difficulty competing for major funding from agencies with greater resources.

3.   New investigators in the area of systemic lupus erythematosus

4.   Interim support for ongoing projects during a temporary gap in research funding.

A limited number of research grants are available. Awards are generally in the $20,000 to $35,000 range, but are at the discretion of LFM.  The funding period for the current grant application is January 1-December 31, 2012.

Application deadline will be in October. Watch lupusmn.org for updates.  


PLEASE POST AND/OR CIRCULATE THIS NOTICE.

# # #

For 35 years, the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota has been serving those affected by lupus, raising awareness and funding research in an ongoing effort to improve the lives of others. LFM has always shown an intense commitment to research, including awarding more than $1.8 million dollars toward lupus research in the last 20 years. For more information, contact Sara Otto, Vice President of Development, at 952-746-5151 or sotto@lupusmn.org.