Investigators apply for ALR funding through a competitive peer-review process patterned after the model used by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the federal focal point for medical research in the United States. When scientists submit research proposals to the ALR, scientific panels with relevant expertise evaluate the scientific and technical merit of each proposal and rank them according to rigorous criteria. The evaluation standards include originality, innovativeness, feasibility and relevance to the ALR mission of preventing, treating and curing lupus.
Follow the link to ALR's Grant Application.
Applications are assigned a primary and secondary reviewer. The primary reviewer is responsible for writing a complete in-depth critique of the application. This analysis focuses on several key areas of the application including the potential impact of the project on lupus, appropriateness of the experimental methods and design used, originality, qualifications of the investigator(s), availability of support services, suitability of facilities, and appropriateness of the proposed budget. The summary also includes a recommendation for funding. The secondary reviewer provides a written summary and recommendation as well. Both reviewers are responsible for making an oral presentation to the committee regarding an application. Other written critiques are sometimes solicited from ad hoc experts, when required. All study section members are asked to read every application to facilitate discussion and complete review of each project.
After this initial stage, ALR's Scientific Advisory Board conducts a second level of review and provides funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. This multilevel review system ensures that the ALR supports only the best projects that fulfill the organization’s mission.
The organization leverages research projects by encouraging collaboration. Each year, ALR hosts a scientific meeting, where investigators meet and share their data to build upon one another’s efforts. This interaction allows ALR researchers to identify synergies that advance their work even faster.
Click here for a list of ALR's currently-funded investigators.
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