2026 Notices of Special Interest and Highlighted Topics
Explore the current notices of special interest (NOSIs) and related funding opportunities focused on the highlighted topics below.
Areas of interest include:
Comprehensive guidance and application requirements for each opportunity are provided in the Request for Applications (RFA). Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria in each corresponding award’s RFA prior to completing application.
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Education & Training in Metabolic Bone Health
Funding is available to support projects aimed at providing robust education and training materials for rheumatologists and health professionals in the areas of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.
These funds are made possible through the Andrew J. Laster, MD Fund for Education and Training in Metabolic Bone Disease.
Award Amount: Up to $70,000 per year (maximum $210,000)
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 by 5 PM ET
Please refer to the Request for Applications and the NOSI document for full award details including eligibility and review criteria.
Note: For this NOSI only, previous recipients of the CSE are eligible to apply.
Supplemental Award for Education & Training in Metabolic Bone Health
This supplemental award provides funding to enhance fellows’ knowledge and training in osteoporosis and metabolic bone health.
These supplemental funds are made possible through the Andrew J. Laster, MD Fund for Education and Training in Metabolic Bone Disease.
Award Term: 2 years for adult programs; 3 years for pediatric programs
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026 at 5 PM ET
Please refer to the Request for Applications at the links above for full award details including eligibility and review criteria.
Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): LRA/RRF Empowering Lupus Research Partnership
In partnership with the Lupus Research Alliance (LRA), the Foundation issued a notice of special interest (NOSI) highlighting available funding to drive the discovery and development of next generation lupus diagnostics and curative treatments.
This NOSI complements but does not replace the Foundation's annual programs. Funded projects via this partnership will be in addition to those funded via the standard Scientist Development Award and Investigator Award.
Award Mechanims: Scientist Development Award (SDA) and Investigator Award (IA).
Award Amount: Up to $225,000 (SDA)/Up to $500,000 (IA)
Award Term: Up to 3 years (SDA)/Up to 4 Years (IA)
Application Deadline:
- Required Letter of Intent due July 1, 2026.
- Applications due August 3, 2026 by 5 PM ET.
Applicants for this NOSI will be subject to additional eligibility criteria and will need to complete additional information on the application as instructed.
Please refer to the Request for Applications at the links above and the NOSI document for full award details including eligibility and review criteria.
Norman Family Fund for Dermatomyositis Research
Established with a generous commitment from Jay and Angie Norman, the Norman Family Fund for Dermatomyositis Research will provide support for investigators pursuing novel research ideas addressing the disease area of adult dermatomyositis. Applicants who conduct research in this area are encouraged to apply via the Scientist Development Award, Investigator Award or Innovative Research Award.
Please refer to the Request for Applications at the links above for eligibility, application requirements, and review criteria.
Psoriatic Arthritis Research
Through a generous contribution by Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinics Multicenter Advancement Network (PPACMAN), funding for one Career Development Bridge Funding Award: K Bridge has been provided for research focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of psoriatic arthritis. Early career investigators who conduct research in this area are encouraged to apply via the K Bridge.
Spondyloarthritis Research
Through a generous contribution by UCB, funding for one Scientist Development Award (SDA) has been provided for research focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of spondyloarthritis. Early career investigators who conduct research in this area are encouraged to apply this cycle via the Scientist Development Award.
Note: Only applicants recommended for funding by the Foundation’s study section will be considered for this support. UCB has no role in or access to the scientific peer review process.
THANK YOU
The Foundation is grateful for the generous donors that help make our mission possible. See more details on all of the Foundation’s current Endowments, Named Funds & Lectureships here.