How We Operate
Our Financial Commitment
The Arthritis Foundation has invested more than 380 million on research
to support more than 2,200 scientists, physicians and health professionals
involved in cutting-edge arthritis research. During the current research
year we have awarded 179 grants, including 69 new and 110 continuing grants
to researchers in over 100 academic institutions.
Our Focus
The Arthritis Foundation
is the largest private, non-profit contributor to arthritis research in
the world. Our Research Program complements government and
industry-based arthritis research by focusing on training new
investigators and pursuing innovative strategies for preventing,
controlling and curing arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation funds three
major types of grant mechanisms:
Career development and training programs
-- These grants encourage scientists to begin research careers in
the arthritis field and then help them nurture their development
into independent arthritis researchers.
Investigator-initiated
-- These grants support basic, clinical and health services research
relevant to arthritis.
Special targeted research initiatives
-- These grants focus on promising areas of arthritis research or on
specific types of arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation Research Program funds research with the
greatest potential for improving the lives of people
with arthritis. Within its focused grant mechanisms, the Foundation
funds a broad spectrum of types of research and scientific disciplines.
The research portfolio ranges from
- basic "bench" research in such areas as
genetics, immunology, biochemistry and cell biology to identify the
genes that cause arthritis and the underlying disease processes;
- to clinical "bedside" and behavioral studies
that utilize human subjects to develop and test new medical,
rehabilitation, surgical and psychoeducational treatments;
- to research in the "trenches" including
epidemiology studies to increase understanding of patterns of
disease and health services research to improve quality of care and
ensure that scientific advances in treatment are integrated into
practice.
The Foundation's research includes studies
relevant to many forms of arthritis and related conditions as well as
studies that focus on specific conditions.
Condition |
Amount
of Multi-Year
Funding in Millions |
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Systemic Lupus
Osteoarthritis
Juvenile Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Lyme disease
Scleroderma/sclerosis
Fibromyalgia |
$18.62
$16.92
$13.67
$4.66
$3.71
$2.07
$1.99
$1.56 |
Much of our progress can be attributed to our
effective partnerships. Some have been with other health organizations such
as the
American College of Rheumatology,
and some have been with private donors such as the Segal family and the
Charlson Foundation.
As the largest non-profit contributor to arthritis
research, we fill a critical role in the big picture of arthritis research.
Since our start in 1948, we have funded more than 2,200 researchers with
more than $380 million in grants. By supporting researchers in the early
stages of their careers, we make important initial discoveries possible that
lead to ultimate breakthrough results. However, even with this commitment we
still watch every year as grants that rate “stellar” in our Peer Review
Process go unfunded. These are potential cures without the funding to
be realized.
When it comes to research, every dollar counts. The
Arthritis Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for arthritis.
But we cannot do it alone.
We need your help.
|
Research Program
How We
Operate
Peer Review Process
Targeted Initiatives
Personal
Perspective
Research Heroes
Message from Leadership |
