ANRF names record 24-scholar cohort in biggest funding push yet

The Arthritis National Research Foundation selected 24 early-career investigators for its 2026-2027 scholar cohort, the largest class and biggest financial commitment in the foundation’s more than 55-year history. The awards come as applications hit a record 131 and early-career researchers face growing uncertainty in federal funding.

Why it matters: - The Arthritis National Research Foundation is putting more money into early-stage rheumatology research at a time when federal support is less predictable. - The 2026-2027 cohort is the foundation’s largest ever, which could help keep promising projects moving before they stall. - The scholars are studying diseases that affect millions of patients, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, scleroderma, spondyloarthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

What happened: - ANRF announced 24 early-career investigators for its 2026-2027 Scholar Cohort on June 18, 2026. - The foundation selected the class from a record 131 applications. - ANRF said the application count is more than double what it received two years ago. - The new cohort includes the first-ever Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis project in the program. - The announcement marks the single largest financial investment in ANRF’s more than 55-year history.

The details: - The Arthritis and Related Autoimmune Disease Research Grant provides $125,000 per year for two years. - The Psoriatic Arthritis Research Grant, supported by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, provides $125,000 per year. - ANRF awarded that psoriatic arthritis grant to Jimin Tan, PhD, whose work uses machine learning to identify new therapeutic targets in PsA. - The Rheum for Kids: Pediatric Joint and Skin Disease Research Grant, developed with the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance, provides $50,000 in support. - The ANRF Postdoctoral Clinical Research Fellowship, supported by Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, provides $50,000 in support. - The 2026-2027 class includes three named fellows: Sokratis Apostolidis, MD, the Carl F. Ware Fellow; Megan Hanlon, PhD, the Gale “Morrie” Granger Fellow; and Kathryne Marks, PhD, the Elizabeth D. Mellins Memorial Fellow. - ANRF says its Scientific Advisory Board reviewed every application. - Craig Walsh, PhD, chairs the Scientific Advisory Board and is a former ANRF scholar. - ANRF has invested $36 million in arthritis and autoimmune disease research since the 1970s. - The foundation says it has funded 273 scholars across 109 institutions. - ANRF says 98% of those scholars remain in research.

Between the lines: - The sharp increase in applications suggests early-career scientists are seeking foundation support as federal research funding grows more uncertain. - ANRF is positioning itself as a funding source for work at the earliest stage of discovery, when researchers often face the most difficulty securing backing. - The foundation is emphasizing both scientific breadth and career development, not just individual projects.

What’s next: - The 24 scholars will move forward with research spanning basic science, diagnostics and treatment development. - ANRF’s support at this stage could shape whether some projects progress into longer-term clinical or translational work. - The foundation’s long-term bet is that early investment will continue to produce researchers who stay in the field and influence arthritis and autoimmune disease science for decades.