Sjögren’s Foundation research grants are open to basic and clinical scientists holding an advanced degree (MD, PhD, DDS, DMD, OD and similar) at any U.S. university or research institution. Both junior and senior investigators may apply. For physicians, advanced clinical training in a specialty related to Sjögren’s, such as rheumatology or ophthalmology, is desirable.
Yes. However, your application could meet several impediments in the scoring process. For example, one of the research program goals is to encourage innovative concepts. If you are proposing to continue the project for which you were supported previously, then the project will not be considered an innovative concept, as grants are provided with the idea that you will gather enough data to obtain additional funding from other entities. Another important consideration is what the investigator did with the data from the former grant.
No, indirect costs / management fees may not be covered by a Sjögren’s Foundation grant.
Letters of recommendation should be sent to research [at] sjogrens [dot] org. We ask that such letters be sent directly from the person providing the recommendation and not as part of your application. It is not necessary to mail hard copies to the Foundation.
As stated in the application, a maximum of five publications may be submitted. Publications can be saved as part of the application or mailed separately. If sending separately, please note this so staff can ensure they are matched and included with your application.
No specific margin sizes are required, however, for the ease of reviewing, 1” margins are preferred.
No, figures, charts and literature cited may be included on top of the five-page description.
The Foundation strives to coordinate and conduct a rigorous review of all grant applications in a timely manner, with final decisions and notifications to applicants taking place around mid-May.
A committee of experts, representing different research and medical specialties related to Sjögren’s, as well as Foundation staff and the Foundation’s Board of Directors, contribute to the review and decision on which applications will be funded.
As part of the review process, applications are considered in terms of:
- The quality of the science
- Whether the proposal is innovative
- Whether the investigator is qualified to carry out the proposed work
- Whether the project is feasible given the time frame and budget
- What impact will the work have on Sjögren’s patients
The High Impact Research Grant was designed to support more fully developed research proposals, which should already have some of the necessary preliminary data and methodology in place to move forward into the next phase of the project.
The Pilot Research Grant was designed to assist investigators in conducting feasibility studies, collecting preliminary data or other research assistance necessary to advance the project. Outcomes from this funding will ideally help prepare investigators to pursue additional, larger forms of grant funding.
If awarded a grant, you will be required to provide a mid-cycle and end-of-grant report, which includes a summary of the aims of your project, outcomes and budget.
The application period is three-months in duration. Applications will be posted on the Sjögren’s Foundation website at the beginning of November and will be due on February 1st the following year.
Both the High Impact and Pilot grants provide funding for one year.
Currently, Sjögren’s Foundation grants are for the period between September 1st and the following year’s August 31st. For example: 9/1/2020 through 8/31/2021.
Yes, no cost extensions are considered on a case by case basis and require the grantee to submit a written request.
Completed grant applications can be sent to research [at] sjogrens [dot] org.
Do you have a question not answered here? Contact us at research [at] sjogrens [dot] org