Research Resources

The ACR is dedicated to supporting members’ efforts to secure research support and addressing important areas for research in rheumatic diseases, including the need for new technology, infrastructure, and increased funding.

Rheuminations on Research Careers

Rheuminations on Research Careers sessions are interactive events designed to foster rapid connections and collaborative brainstorming among early career investigators in the field of rheumatology. Participants rotate through a series of brief, timed conversations with their peers, allowing them to introduce themselves, share their research interests, and discuss specific challenges they are facing in their careers. Each interaction focuses on quick, yet meaningful exchanges, where attendees can seek advice, offer solutions, and explore potential collaborations.

Upcoming Session

Rheum to Mingle: Meet Your Future Collaborators
Networking and Problem Solving
October 10
3:00–4:00 PM ET

Free Registration

Call for Volunteers: Early Career Investigators Subcommittee

The ACR Early Career Investigator (ECI) Subcommittee of the Committee on Research is currently accepting applications for new subcommittee members. The ECI is responsible for serving the needs of junior research faculty who are pursuing careers in academic rheumatology. The ECI subcommittee manages, plans, and attends the following programs.

CARMA is a mentoring program to support early career investigators interested in research. Through this program, early career investigators participate in a matching mentoring program with established rheumatologists to enhance decision-making and satisfaction for rheumatology research trainees and junior faculty as they transition to independent research after fellowship.

RRC is an innovative virtual community designed to support early career investigators in the field of rheumatology. RRC serves as a dynamic space where emerging researchers can network, share experiences, and collaboratively address challenges specific to their career development. The virtual meetings emphasize peer-to-peer interactions and mentorship, fostering an environment where participants can exchange ideas, seek advice, and find solutions to common obstacles in their research trajectories. By facilitating discussions on topics like grant writing, work-life balance, and career progression, RRC aims to empower young rheumatologists to navigate the complexities of academic research with greater confidence and success.

This session is geared toward ACR Convergence attendees who are grant writers of all stages interested in learning about the different types of grants available to young investigators. Attendees will have an opportunity to discuss specific questions with program officers and representatives from various foundations by rotating to each table where the Funders will be seated identified by their organization sign.

The RRW is an invitation only (after application), two-day, in-person workshop that promotes interaction between rheumatology trainees, early career investigators, and established investigators to foster collaboration and facilitate career mentoring. The workshop will include scientific lectures, oral abstract presentations, and opportunities for early career investigators to interact with senior investigators. Sessions will focus on the skills needed to be successful in research, including improved communication and presentation, work-life balance, tips for grant application, how to build a research team, and more.

Eligibility

Must be an ACR or ARP member
Must spend greater than 70% of time on research
Must currently be employed as faculty/staff at an academic institution
Must be within 5 years after finishing fellowship or post-doctoral training at the time of application
Must be willing to serve a term of 3 years

The deadline to apply for a subcommittee is October 10, 11:59 PM ET.

Apply for a Subcommittee