The Lupus Research Alliance and Rheumatology Research Foundation Commit $1.9M to Empower Early-Career Scientists

Leading rheumatology research organizations unite to support the research workforce and fuel lupus breakthroughs.

ATLANTA, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), in partnership with the Rheumatology Research Foundation (Foundation), committed $1.9 million in grants through the Empowering Lupus Research Partnership to support early-career scientists and junior investigators advancing rheumatology and lupus research.

Lupus, a chronic autoimmune condition that causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage, impacts millions of people globally. The initiative backs exploration of understudied pathways, innovative concepts, and translational work aimed at deepening our understanding of the disease to ultimately improve prevention and treatment. Five early-career scientists and junior investigators were selected for the 2026 award and will focus on lupus and its connections to menopause, cardiovascular disease, immunometabolism, and aging, among other topics.

"The research community is navigating a volatile federal funding climate that could have long-term effects on scientific progress," said Eryn Marchiolo, president of the Rheumatology Research Foundation. "By pooling our resources, we can respond quickly to strengthen the research pipeline. Our hope is that this funding sparks breakthroughs that bring answers and comfort to people affected by lupus."

The Empowering Lupus Research Partnership grants are administered through two Foundation-managed awards: the Scientist Development Award (up to $225,000 over three years) and the Investigator Award (up to $500,000 over four years). Submissions underwent rigorous peer review led by the Foundation's Peer Review Study Sections, which evaluated applications to identify the most promising projects advancing lupus research. The chosen recipients each represent varied clinical and research settings.

"Behind every discovery are dedicated investigators who need dependable support," said Teodora Staeva, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer of the Lupus Research Alliance. "This collaborative investment ensures early-career researchers can continue driving forward the advancements that people living with lupus urgently need."

Lupus disproportionately affects women—who make up 90% of diagnoses—and occurs at higher rates among African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American/Alaskan Native populations. The disease also increases the risk of comorbidities such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney disease. This Empowering Lupus Research Partnership cohort will accelerate discoveries that improve care and outcomes for people living with lupus. 

"The Empowering Lupus Research Partnership drives progress in rheumatology and lupus research, supports investigators, and offers hope to those affected by rheumatic disease," Marchiolo concluded.

2026 Lupus Research Alliance & Rheumatology Research Foundation Award Recipients

Scientist Development Award
Mehmet Hocaoglu, MD
Project: Machine learning based predictive models for systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis and prevention

Tristram A.J. Ryan, PhD
Project: The immunometabolite Itaconate as a novel driver of TLR7-mediated Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Investigator Award
John P. Huizar, MD
Project: Dissecting phenotypic heterogeneity in endosomal TLR-driven autoimmunity using human UNC93B1 allelic variants

Daniel Panyard, PhD
Project: Comprehensive multiomic analysis of the basis for cardiovascular risk in rheumatic disease

Kristen Young, DO, MEd
Project: Understanding the Menopausal Transition in SLE: Symptom Burden and Therapeutic Implications

About the Lupus Research Alliance
The Lupus Research Alliance is the largest non-governmental, non-profit funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform treatment by funding the most innovative lupus research, fostering scientific talent, and driving discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure for lupus. Because the Lupus Research Alliance's Board of Directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, 100% of all donations go to support lupus research programs.

For more information or to donate to lupus research, visit the LRA at LupusResearch.org and on social media at: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

About the Rheumatology Research Foundation
The Rheumatology Research Foundation is one of the largest private funding sources of rheumatology research and training programs in the U.S. Established in 1985, the Foundation is focused on advancing patient care and accelerating discoveries in rheumatic diseases. More information about the Foundation can be found at rheumresearch.org.

SOURCE Lupus Research Alliance