Rheumatology Research Foundation

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Rheumatology Research Foundation

The largest private funding source for rheumatology research & training in the U.S.

The Foundation is the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training in the United States. Since 1985, the Foundation has committed more than $181 million directly to research and training and granted 3,734 individual awards. The Foundation has received a four-star rating, the highest offered by Charity Navigator, for 12 years in a row because of its good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

12/29/2025

As 2025 comes to a close and the Foundation culminates our 40th anniversary celebration, we want to thank all our Corporate Roundtable donors for helping us shape a brighter future for the millions affected by rheumatic diseases.

This was an incredible year of collaboration and shared commitment to advancing research and training to improve patient health, and we look forward to our continued partnership in 2026.

Thank you!

12/11/2025

Great news for the rheumatology community! The Rheumatology Research Foundation awarded Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle funding to expand its fellowship program and bring in four new rheumatology fellows by 2026.

And, this year’s National Resident Matching Program brought strong interest to Virginia Mason, which received over 100 fellowship applications, a 20% jump from last year.

Read more in the Fall 2025 edition of the Foundation Voice. https://bit.ly/4iOdKec

12/10/2025

As a recipient of the Foundation’s Community Practice Innovation Award, Jenna Thomason, MD, MPH of University of Washington Department of Medicine oversaw a project focused on how thermal imaging can be used as a tool for physicians to improve remote assessment of joint disease status in a telemedicine setting.

Her work is a powerful example of how the Community Practice Innovation Award supports rheumatology care providers pursuing projects that advance practice implementation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

We’re currently accepting applications for this award! Required letters of intent are due by 5 PM ET on January 15, 2026. Learn more and apply on our website: https://www.rheumresearch.org/innovative-research-award

12/09/2025

New research funded by the Foundation suggests that people living with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) face increased health risks from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The study found that more than half of unvaccinated SARD patients were hospitalizedafter RSV infection. Those who were frail, had multiple health conditions, or had lunginvolvement faced even higher risks of severe outcomes.

These findings highlight the importance of continued research and proactive vaccine management for rheumatology patients taking immunosuppressive drugs.

🔗 Read more: medscape.com/viewarticle/rsv-outcomes-patients-systemic-autoimmune-rheumatic-diseases-2025a1000rwi

12/05/2025

We are pleased to share the Fall 2025 issue of The Foundation Voice!

In this edition, you will discover how the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s vibrant donor community—featured in our 2025 Donor Acknowledgements Book—has played a pivotal role in sparking groundbreaking discoveries and strengthening the rheumatology workforce over the last 40 years. Their generosity fuels progress and inspires hope for years to come.

You will also find:
✨ Our commemorative 40th anniversary video
✨ A photo recap of ACR Convergence 2025
✨Inspiring stories of award recipients whose passion and innovative work continue to shape a brighter future for rheumatology patients.

Read more: https://magazine.rheumresearch.org/fall-2025-foundation-voice

12/02/2025

On , we hope that you will support the Rheumatology Research Foundation in advancing the science that improves patient care. Your contribution powers:

✨ Groundbreaking rheumatology research
✨ Training for the next generation of rheumatologists
✨ Innovations in treatment and patient outcomes

Invest in science. Invest in impact. Invest in rheumatology’s future. RheumResearch.org/donate

11/21/2025

In September, the Rheumatology Research Foundation announced emergency funding to launch a second application cycle for the K and R Bridge Awards, created in direct response to the federal budget cuts that slashed support for health, science, and medical research. Applications for this cycle remain due by December 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

📢 Important Update for Applicants Impacted by the Government Shutdown:
To support investigators who planned to apply in December but could not obtain study section reviews in October or November due to the government shutdown, the Foundation is offering an additional emergency deadline: March 2, 2026.

Who Is Eligible for the March 2 Deadline?
This deadline is reserved exclusively for investigators who:
✔️ Planned to apply for the December 1 deadline, but were adversely affected by the shutdown and, therefore, unable to receive a summary statement in time to meet the deadline.
✔️ Applicants should have a summary statement dated October 1, 2025, or later.

Applicants who have a summary statement available to apply by the December 1 deadline should do so as planned.

🔗 Learn more at https://www.rheumresearch.org/career-development-research-awards

11/07/2025

📣 Calling all students enrolled in a MD or DO training program who are interested in being a physician scientist:

The Foundation is accepting applications for the Rheumatology Future Physician Scientist Award! This pre-doctoral scholar award supports the research training of promising students who are enrolled in a MD or DO training program, including individuals enrolled in combined degree programs (e.g., MD/PhD, DO/PhD program, MD/MPH, DO/MPH or equivalent).

This award supports research projects in scientific health-related fields relevant to the mission of the Rheumatology Research Foundation. The research training experience is expected to tangibly enhance the individuals’ potential to develop into a productive, independent physician-scientist in the field of rheumatology.

🗓️ Applications for this award are due on December 1, 2025 by 5 PM. https://www.rheumresearch.org/preceptorships

11/06/2025

November is , a time to recognize and honor caregivers who provide essential support to loved ones with health needs each year.

Family caregivers are a cornerstone of our healthcare system, dedicating countless hours of unpaid, life-changing care for loved ones all while balancing careers, family life, and their own personal healthcare needs at the same time.

We recognize the unique challenges caregivers and their loved ones face within the rheumatology community. Their strength and commitment inspire our ongoing efforts to advance research and training to improve the health of patients living with rheumatic disease.

10/28/2025

On Sunday, students and residents joined us for the Choose Rheumatology Experience, an inspiring event to introduce future rheumatologists to the field. Attendees experienced cutting edge science lectures and presentations and learned about scholarship and preceptorship opportunities in the field. A diverse panel of rheumatology professionals shared their experiences and participated in roundtable talks addressing topics ranging from research and mentorship to fellowship and work-life balance.

The future of rheumatology is bright!

10/27/2025

Two Foundation-funded investigators will be featured at tomorrow morning's Plenary III session here at ACR Convergence 2025! Don’t miss this chance to hear about exciting groundbreaking science in rheumatology.

1722: Defining Safe Hydroxychloroquine Blood Levels: Time to Switch to Precision Monitoring for Optimized Lupus Care Presenter: Shivani Garg, MD, PhD
Foundation Award Received: Innovative Research Award
Time: 8:00AM - 8:15AM

1723: Impaired Maintenance of X-Chromosome Inactivation in B Cells, But Not T Cells, Exacerbates Interferon-Driven Systemic Autoimmunity
Presenter: Nikhil Jiwrajka, MD
Foundation Award Received: Scientist Development Award
Time: 8:15AM - 8:30AM

10/26/2025

The Rheumatology Research Foundation is celebrating 40 years of impact! Over the past 4 decades, the Foundation has reshaped how patients are cared for, ignited scientific breakthroughs, and strengthened the future of rheumatology. While we’ve made incredible strides, there are many patients whose needs remain unmet.

Our work continues—driving innovative research, training, and recruitment efforts to ensure people living with rheumatic disease receive the high-quality care they need to live happier, healthier lives.

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Atlanta, GA

Telephone

+14043651373

Website

http://rheumresearch.org/

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The Rheumatology Research Foundation is the largest private funding source for rheumatology research and training in the United States. Since 1985, the Foundation has transformed the field of rheumatology by serving as the leader for rheumatologists, clinicians, medical professionals and patients alike. The Foundation has elevated the healthcare landscape for nearly 35 years by supporting cutting-edge research, training thousands of medical professionals, improving diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, dispensing valuable information and resources, and connecting patients with necessary services.Through its work, the Foundation is advancing treatments, empowering rheumatologists and impacting patients.