Early Stage Investigators for New PFF Mentoring Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Dorothy Coyle, 773-332-6201

WANTED: EARLY STAGE INVESTIGATORS FOR 
NEW PULMONARY FIBROSIS MENTORING PROGRAM
Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Launches PFF Scholars 
To Support Early Stage Researchers

CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2018 -- The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has launched a new program, PFF Scholars, to engage emerging researchers in the field of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), an incurable lung disease. With the goal of advancing research that could translate into successful therapies for PF, the PFF Scholars program is designed to support and enable promising researchers to obtain independent funding and continue their cutting-edge research. Scholars will receive up to $50,000 over a two-year period. Applications will open on Oct. 15. 

More than 200,000 Americans are living with pulmonary fibrosis, a deadly disease causing progressive scarring in the lungs. Fifty thousand new cases are diagnosed each year. 

PFF scholars receive mentorship by a PFF Scholar Advisor who assists with career development opportunities. Scholars participate in Foundation activities throughout the year and have a special presence at the biennial PFF Summit conference and PFF Volunteer Meetings. In addition, scholars have the opportunity to invite a PFF Visiting Professor to their home institution.

“With the launch of the PFF Scholars program, we are unleashing powerful new talent to study this complex and devastating disease,” said William T. Schmidt, President and CEO of the PFF.  “We are eager for the first group of scholars to begin their work to improve the care and quality of life for people living with pulmonary fibrosis.” 

The PFF will promote the scholars and their work on its website, pulmonary fibrosis.org. 

Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to becoming an independent investigator in an interstitial lung disease-related field. They must have an MD, DO, RN, PhD or other professional degree. Applicants must submit detailed research and career development plans along with an explanation of how the project utilizes novel concepts to address a question about PF. All requests for sponsorship must be submitted through proposalCENTRAL at https://proposalcentral.altum.com/. Proposals will be reviewed by the PFF Scientific Advisory Committee.

For more information and to apply to become a PFF Scholar, visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org or email grants@pulmonaryfibrosis.org.