2023 Administrative Supplement to Promote Diversity in Lupus Research

Eligibility

A principal investigator (PI) or “sponsor” must have an active LRA grant or currently hold an NIH, DOD, or equivalent grant in good standing that addresses major challenges in lupus research, including genetic causes of lupus and disease mechanisms, novel targets and pathways, or novel treatment approaches and technologies. There must be at least one year of grant funding remaining at the time of application to be eligible to apply. The principal investigator should be committed to the goal of advancing ethnic and racial equity in lupus research by providing mentored research experiences for eligible trainees. There is no citizenship requirement; however, the proposed research must be performed in a US- or Canada-based institution.

An eligible trainee is defined as a person who self-identifies as a member of a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the science and engineering fields compared to their representation in the US population. For the purposes of this grant mechanism, these racial and ethnic groups are Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, Indigenous American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other Pacific Islanders. Trainees should either be 1) currently enrolled in a science-focused bachelor’s, master’s, or other advanced degree program at an accredited institution or 2) be within two years of having completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or other advanced degree (PhD, MD). Prior research experience is not required, but the trainee should have an interest in lupus.
No more than two Diversity Supplements can be awarded for each Parent Grant.

Summary

Background

The Lupus Research Alliance (LRA) is the largest private funder of lupus research worldwide. The organization aims to transform lupus treatment while advancing towards a cure by funding cutting-edge, innovative research and fostering diverse scientific talent. Addressing the challenges of lupus requires a talented and tenacious workforce capable of decoding the inherent complexity of the disease and devising innovative medicines. To harness the collective power of diverse minds and address the underrepresentation of specific groups in lupus research, the LRA has developed the Diversity in Lupus Research Program to promote an outstanding diverse scientific pool of lupus research professionals.

Program Description

The LRA Administrative Supplement to Promote Diversity in Lupus Research (“Diversity Supplement”) provides up to $30,000 for up to two years to promising trainees working with LRA-funded researchers or lupus investigators supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD), or equivalent grants in good standing. 

Award Amount and Period of Support

Eligible PIs can request a maximum of $30,000 (up to $15,000 for pre-doctoral trainees or up to $30,000 for post-doctoral trainees) over one or two years, as long as the parent grant is active.

Application Submission

Applications must be submitted electronically, via ProposalCentral. Applications will not be accepted via any other means. Applicants must obtain institutional approval from the University of Calgary prior to submitting their application to the AES. Initiate required University of Calgary internal approvals by completing a Pre-Award/Application record in RMS (https://my.rms.ucalgary.ca/)/. Attach a copy of your complete application materials and submit for approvals. Please ensure that you allow time for academic approvals prior to the Research Services Office internal review deadline of 12:00pm MT, October 17, 2023.

Overhead

Not Applicable. Indirect costs are not allowed.

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via RMS in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.