Purpose

Funding Opportunities

The Center for Mucosal Immunology and Rheumatic Disease Pathogenesis (CMIR) offers Microgrant and Pilot & Feasibility funding opportunities for graduate students as well as early career investigators to develop preliminary data for pursuing rheumatic and autoimmune disease research in the areas of interest to this program. Individuals will be able to utilize the expertise of the Research Cores and the cohorts, data and biologic specimens provided. Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research fellows and junior faculty (Instructor and Assistant Professor) are invited to apply.

The overall goals of these programs are to facilitate development of innovative research projects at their earliest stages that explore aspects of mucosal immunobiology and development of rheumatic diseases as well as autoimmune diseases in general, and in particular to support early career investigators seeking to launch new directions of research. Basic, translational, and clinical research projects are all encouraged. Preference will also be given to proposals that address Center initiatives, but projects aligned with expanding knowledge in mucosal immunology and/or rheumatic disease pathogenesis will be considered.

With institutional support from the School of Medicine and the Department of Medicine, the following opportunities are available:

Microgrants: The CMIR commits $100,000 per year to be issued as awards of up to $5000. Funds must be spent on CMIR services such as Research Core expertise and resources, sample access fees and data management/ statistical support. Microgrant projects should be structured to be completed in 12 months or less.

Pilot & Feasibility Grants: The CMIR commits to one award per year of up to $20,000. A component of project funds must be spent on CMIR services such as Research Core expertise and resources, sample access fees and data management/ statistical support, though other costs are allowed with appropriate justification. Pilot and feasibility grants should be structured to be completed in 12 months, though extensions will be allowed with for projects of greater complexity or that require use of multiple Core resources.

For questions regarding these programs please reach out to Dr. Robert Fuhlbrigge at Robert.Fuhlbrigge@childrenscolorado.org.