The Ann Theodore Foundation Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative (ATF-BSI), in partnership with the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), is now accepting applications for two-year research projects that seek to increase the foundational understanding of sarcoidosis through projects focused on the biology and epidemiology of sarcoidosis.
Program Description
ATF-BSI will award up to six two-year research grants led by doctorate-level investigators at qualifying research-based institutions around the world.
- Projects led by individual researchers will be eligible for up to $200,000 USD in funding for direct costs per year plus 15 percent in indirect costs, totaling $230,000 USD per year, and $460,000 over two years.
- Interdisciplinary teams will be eligible for up to $250,000 USD in funding for direct costs per year plus 15 percent in indirect costs, totaling $287,500 USD per year for a total of $575,000 over two years. Interdisciplinary teams are defined here as either:
- a team of two principal investigators (PI) comprising a sarcoidosis expert and a researcher from a separate field relevant to the project, or
- a team submitting a proposal with one basic science expert and one clinical expert that incorporates both clinical and basic science aims.
- All funded investigators will be eligible for a third year of funding with satisfactory progress within the first 18 months at the discretion of ATF.
Sarcoidosis is a disease hallmarked by clusters of immune cells, known as granulomas, that can form in various organs. The lungs are the most frequently affected, but many other organs can be impacted. For some people, the condition resolves on its own, but for others, the condition can become chronic and debilitating. The symptoms can include difficulty breathing, fatigue, and heart arrhythmia, and if the granulomas persist, they can cause severe organ damage and death. Approximately 0.5 percent (1 in 200) of the US population is affected by sarcoidosis; however, it impacts African American women at higher rates than other demographics.
While sarcoidosis is often considered a rare disease, its true prevalence may be higher due to underdiagnosis and a lack of awareness among clinicians. Environmental exposures and genetic risks have been implicated in the onset of sarcoidosis. The sarcoidosis field needs a clearer understanding of the social determinants of the condition’s development and prognosis. Additionally, autoimmune and infectious causes of sarcoidosis have been studied, but more work is needed to understand the mechanism and etiology of the disease.
A Need for Novel Approaches to Study Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a multidimensional condition, and answering its most pressing questions will require attention and investment from individuals working in various fields We encourage researchers who study sarcoidosis as well as those who study other granulomatous conditions, rheumatic conditions, autoimmune diseases, infectious conditions, inflammatory conditions, and other fields to apply. Applicants without prior sarcoidosis research experience are encouraged to apply, and they do not need to co-apply with a sarcoidosis expert to be eligible for funding. Sarcoidosis requires study from a variety of perspectives, including but not limited to genetics, epidemiology, molecular biology, and immunology. We encourage investigators to develop research approaches that allow for assessment and understanding across multiple relevant disciplines.
Projects investigating sarcoidosis that may be selected for funding should display novelty, creativity, and promise in seeking innovative approaches to understand the etiology, genetics, epidemiology, or molecular basis of sarcoidosis.
For more information, including eligibility criteria, please refer to the Request for Proposals (RFP).
Ann Theodore Foundation Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative
The Ann Theodore Foundation Breakthrough Sarcoidosis Initiative (ATF-BSI), in partnership with the Milken Institute Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), is now accepting applications for two-year research projects that seek to increase the foundational understanding of sarcoidosis through projects focused on the biology and epidemiology of sarcoidosis.
Program Description
ATF-BSI will award up to six two-year research grants led by doctorate-level investigators at qualifying research-based institutions around the world.
- Projects led by individual researchers will be eligible for up to $200,000 USD in funding for direct costs per year plus 15 percent in indirect costs, totaling $230,000 USD per year, and $460,000 over two years.
- Interdisciplinary teams will be eligible for up to $250,000 USD in funding for direct costs per year plus 15 percent in indirect costs, totaling $287,500 USD per year for a total of $575,000 over two years. Interdisciplinary teams are defined here as either:
- a team of two principal investigators (PI) comprising a sarcoidosis expert and a researcher from a separate field relevant to the project, or
- a team submitting a proposal with one basic science expert and one clinical expert that incorporates both clinical and basic science aims.
- All funded investigators will be eligible for a third year of funding with satisfactory progress within the first 18 months at the discretion of ATF.
Sarcoidosis is a disease hallmarked by clusters of immune cells, known as granulomas, that can form in various organs. The lungs are the most frequently affected, but many other organs can be impacted. For some people, the condition resolves on its own, but for others, the condition can become chronic and debilitating. The symptoms can include difficulty breathing, fatigue, and heart arrhythmia, and if the granulomas persist, they can cause severe organ damage and death. Approximately 0.5 percent (1 in 200) of the US population is affected by sarcoidosis; however, it impacts African American women at higher rates than other demographics.
While sarcoidosis is often considered a rare disease, its true prevalence may be higher due to underdiagnosis and a lack of awareness among clinicians. Environmental exposures and genetic risks have been implicated in the onset of sarcoidosis. The sarcoidosis field needs a clearer understanding of the social determinants of the condition’s development and prognosis. Additionally, autoimmune and infectious causes of sarcoidosis have been studied, but more work is needed to understand the mechanism and etiology of the disease.
A Need for Novel Approaches to Study Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a multidimensional condition, and answering its most pressing questions will require attention and investment from individuals working in various fields We encourage researchers who study sarcoidosis as well as those who study other granulomatous conditions, rheumatic conditions, autoimmune diseases, infectious conditions, inflammatory conditions, and other fields to apply. Applicants without prior sarcoidosis research experience are encouraged to apply, and they do not need to co-apply with a sarcoidosis expert to be eligible for funding. Sarcoidosis requires study from a variety of perspectives, including but not limited to genetics, epidemiology, molecular biology, and immunology. We encourage investigators to develop research approaches that allow for assessment and understanding across multiple relevant disciplines.
Projects investigating sarcoidosis that may be selected for funding should display novelty, creativity, and promise in seeking innovative approaches to understand the etiology, genetics, epidemiology, or molecular basis of sarcoidosis.
For more information, including eligibility criteria, please refer to the Request for Proposals (RFP).