Established Investigator Grant

Purpose: The Scleroderma Foundation is seeking applications from promising established investigators both inside and outside the field of SSc research who wish to propose pilot studies to obtain preliminary data dealing with a highly innovative and/or highly relevant theme related to SSc. This grant will support pilot research that is likely to lead to more substantial unlimited research project grants from federal or non-federal sources.

Eligibility Requirements: Applications may be submitted by domestic non-profit organizations, public and private such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories. Foreign organizations and institutions are eligible. Applicants must have a doctorate degree in Medicine, Osteopathy, Veterinary Medicine or one of the sciences, must have completed a postdoctoral fellowship, have been Principal Investigator on grants from the Scleroderma Foundation or other national, private or government agencies in the past.

Investigators who have questions about eligibility should contact the Scleroderma Foundation (see below).

Mechanism of Support: Applicants may request up to $75,000 (Up to 8% of the Direct Costs per year of award may be set aside as indirect costs. The indirect cost amount will be subtracted from the yearly total [up to $75,000) of the award) per year for up to two years (total for 2 years not to exceed $150,000). These awards are not renewable. Before completion of this grant, investigators are encouraged to seek more substantial continuing support for research through other grant mechanisms through private or government agencies. Replacement of the Principal Investigator on this award is not permitted. There will be no routine escalation for future years.

Awards are contingent on the availability of funds and the receipt of sufficiently meritorious applications meeting the stated eligibility requirements.

Research Objectives: The Scleroderma Foundation Innovative Grant is designed to facilitate highly innovative or highly relevant and meritorious pilot projects by established investigators in areas of research related to SSc that will culminate in more substantial funding from Federal or non-federal granting agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs.