Drs. Tanya Freedman and Shawn Mahmud have been granted 2021 Rheumatology Research Foundation (RRF) awards to continue their proposed ongoing research projects that could lead to important breakthroughs in discovering new treatments for clinical use.

Dr. Tanya Freedman, has been granted the 2021 Innovative Research Award from the Rheumatology Research Foundation (RRF). The RRF funds rheumatology education, training and research that will improve treatments for people with rheumatic diseases. The programs are designed to train the next generation of rheumatology professionals, help young investigators pursue promising research ideas and support cutting-edge research projects that will lead to a cure. The Innovative Research Award provides independent investigators with the funding they need to pursue ideas that could lead to important breakthroughs in discovering new treatments. The grant will allow the continuation of Dr. Freedman's work on kinase signaling, lupus, and innate immune cells. For more information on the exciting work being done in the Freedman lab, check out the lab website.

Dr. Shawn Mahmud, Pediatric Rheumatology Fellow in the Jenkins lab received the RRF Scientist Development Award. Dr. Mahmud is pursuing the American Board of Pediatrics Accelerated Research Pathway (ARP). The support he has received from RRF for researchers in the early stages of their career will allow him to continue his innovative research.

CFI would like to congratulate both recipients on your well-deserved awards!