The LFA?s National Research Program, Bringing Down the Barriers?, provides direct funding for researchers at universities and medical institutions nationwide. The LFA is the only national organization to launch the first-ever pediatric lupus research program through its Michael Jon Barlin Pediatric Research Program, which was established with the generous support of the Wallace H. Coulter Foundation.

In addition to its ability to affect almost any part of a person?s body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, and/or blood, lupus can also severely affect the nervous system and brain, which is why neuropsychiatric lupus (or central nervous system lupus) is of vital focus. When lupus targets the central nervous system, the person may experience seizures, depression among other symptoms, some of which are life threatening. And although these symptoms may suddenly come and go, those affected by this chronic disease will have to cope with its effects for the rest of their lives.

The LFA is also accepting applications for its Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program, which seeks to foster an interest in lupus research among students under the supervision of an established investigator. Named after the daughter of former LFA President Dr. Sergio Finzi, the Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program has supported the work of approximately 200 young investigators since it was founded in 1984. Undergraduate, graduate, and medical students are eligible to apply; however, preference is given to students with a college degree.

Binding letters of intent must be submitted by February 16, 2012. Online applications must be submitted by March 23, 2012. Applications for the Gina M. Finzi Memorial Student Summer Fellowship Program do not require a letter of intent and are due March 30, 2012. The LFA uses an electronic grant submission process and all interested grant applicants should submit their letters of intent and proposals via proposalCENTRAL at https://proposalcentral.altum.com/default.asp. For more information and application instructions, visit www.lupus.org/rfa.

About the LFA

The Lupus Foundation of America is the foremost national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding the causes of and cure for lupus, and providing support, services, and hope to all people affected by lupus. The LFA and its national network of chapters, support groups, and community representatives conduct programs of research, education, and advocacy.

About Lupus

Lupus is an unpredictable and potentially fatal autoimmune disease in which the immune system is out of balance, causing inflammation and tissue damage to any organ system in the body. The health effects of lupus include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and organ failure. An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus. For more information, visit www.lupus.org.

About the LFA?s National Research Program

The LFA?s National Research Program, Bringing Down the Barriers?, is dedicated to addressing research issues that have for decades obstructed basic biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, behavioral, and translational lupus research. The LFA?s approach to research is unique because it directs its funding to areas of research where gaps exist in the understanding of lupus, and to promising areas of study in which other public and private organizations have not focused their efforts. Using a three-pronged strategy, the LFA and its national network are committed to advancing the science and medicine of lupus by: directly funding research to close the gaps in lupus research; advocating for expanded investment in research from public and private sources; and leading special initiatives and forging collaborative efforts among stakeholders to address critical issues to advancing the science and medicine of lupus. For more information about the LFA?s National Research Program, visit www.lupus.org/research.