HOPE gives us courage. HOPE gives strength. HOPE lets us imagine a different tomorrow. APFED is dedicated to HOPE by funding research that leads us to a better understanding of eosinophil-associated diseases. Our Hope on the Horizon Research Program is supported entirely by donations, which, to date, have enabled us to direct more than $2 million to eosinophil disease research initiatives through a variety of mechanisms, listed below.
APFED HOPE Grants
HOPE grants are awarded to researchers with innovative ideas through a competitive peer-reviewed process. Applicants are asked to submit a novel research idea which shows promise and conforms to the APFED mission to improve the lives of those living with eosinophil-associated diseases. Successful grantees demonstrate a plan and the potential to receive subsequent, larger funding for their project.
» Meet the grant recipients and learn about their work
Collaborative Grants
APFED offers collaborative grants in conjunction with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). These grants, co-funded equally with AAAAI, focus on career development for early career investigators. These grants are awarded through a competitive peer review process by both organizations.
Applicants must propose research in line with APFED’s mission, have a supportive academic environment with sufficient infrastructure, and have a strong desire to succeed in academic medicine with a focus on eosinophil-associated disease. The expectation is that these grant recipients will also subsequently apply for additional independent funding through other grant mechanisms, such as through the NIH.
By sharing the funding with AAAAI, we are able to effectively double donor dollars in our research fund.
» Meet the grant recipients and learn about their work
Consortium Grants
APFED provides annual supplemental funding to support the work of the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR). CEGIR is a collaborative effort made possible through awards by the NIH to research eosinophilic disorders and train investigators in how to conduct clinical research. CEGIR is part of the Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN), an initiative of the Office of Rare Diseases Research. The RDCRN advances medical research by providing support for clinical studies and facilitating collaboration, study enrollment and data sharing for more than 200 rare diseases.
APFED provided key components of the CEGIR grant application, and currently serves on numerous CEGIR committees, contributing to the development of study protocols, coordinating patient feedback, and supporting communications between CEGIR and the patient community. APFED provides similar support and services to grants made possible through the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Initiative (PCORI).
HOPE Bridge Grants
APFED awarded its first bridge grant in 2016. Bridge grants are provided to established researchers who have successfully matured a research idea through other funding mechanisms and who are in need of short-term financial support between grants to continue their research. The 2016 Bridge Grant recipient has developed a promising new technology which is able to non-invasively identify eosinophils in the esophagus. We look forward to sharing the details of this exciting work as soon as they are ready to share.
Abstract Awards
APFED works with the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), and the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA) to provide small monetary awards and recognition to the best research abstracts presented at the national conferences for these professional organizations.
The awards offset travel costs to the researchers so that they may present their findings to their peers. Abstract award winners may go on to successfully compete for grants from APFED or from other funding mechanisms.
Professional Development
APFED supports peer-to-peer education for health care providers by financially contributing to seminars and professional meetings, such the bi-annual meeting of the International Eosinophil Society, the International Gastrointestinal Eosinophil Researchers symposium, and topic-specific workshops at annual society meetings.
These vital contributions to research are made possible thanks to the generous donations of our supporters. Together, we will make a difference!
