DRC Announces Grants Ranging from $25,000 – $50,000 for Early-Career Scientists Focused on Type 1 Diabetes Research

Diabetes Research Connection accepting LOIs through August 31 from those seeking funding for research aimed at finding a cure, prevention, and treatments for T1D

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Diabetes Research Connection (DRC), a 501(c)(3) that connects early-career scientists and donors to fund research projects aimed at prevention, cure, and better care for those with T1 Diabetes (T1D), is accepting letters of intent (LOIs) through August 31 for research grants ranging from $25,000 - $50,000.

To apply, researchers submit a one-page LOI here that is reviewed by DRC’s Scientific Review Committee (SRC). If the concept is approved, the applicant is invited to submit a three-page grant application. U.S.-based post-doctoral fellows, professors, and instructors whose research is focused on T1D and have not received NIH funding as a Principal Investigator (PI), are eligible regardless of pre- or post-doctoral fellowships, Career Development Awards (including NIH K-series) or PI listings on an awarded research gift agreement.

“Each application is vetted by DRC’s specialty advisory panel of diabetes experts from around the country,” said DRC Scientific Director Chair Vincenzo Circulli, M.D., Ph.D. “If the project meets our criteria for feasibility and potential impact, it moves on. The entire scientific review process takes about 12 weeks. Our scientific advisors and staff are committed to identifying groundbreaking T1D research projects to support.”

DRC Executive Director Karen Hooper adds, “Our mission is to fund innovative research led by early-stage scientists that has the highest scientific merit and greatest potential for success. About 40,000 people, many of them children, are diagnosed with T1D every year. Yet funding for T1D research has steadily decreased,” says Hooper. “We believe early-career scientists have a lot to offer T1D research and DRC raises funds to support their research aimed at finding viable treatments and a possible cure for T1D.”

Dr. Sangeeta Dhawan from City of Hope says working with DRC on her project: “Making More and Better Insulin Producing Cells” was gratifying and helpful to attracting future funding as well.

“DRC provided incredible support, reviews, and feedback. Comments on my pre-proposal helped me refine my experimental plan and input provided by the layperson committee enabled me to produce a stronger proposal,” said Dr. Dhawan. “And it was one of the fastest reviews of my career!”

Grant LOI submission instructions and key requirements can be found at DRC’s Submit a Project page. Scientists applying for funding will be notified about the status of their application by December 31. For details visit FAQs for Applicants and research projects successfully funded by DRC.

About DRC

The Diabetes Research Connection was established in 2012 by five tireless proponents of diabetes research with a mission to connect motivated donors with early-career scientists and enable novel, peer-reviewed research to find ways to prevent, cure, and treat Type 1 Diabetes and improve the life of those living with the disease. For more information – www.diabetesresearchconnection.org.