Our quest to find cures and new and improved treatments for lung disease uses a multi-faceted approach to discovery. The American Lung Association Nationwide Research efforts are composed of three programs: Awards and Grants Program, Asthma Clinical Research Centers Network and the Epidemiology and Statistics Program.
Research Milestones
People from every walk of life are living healthier, more active lives – thanks to the medical breakthroughs pioneered by American Lung Association researchers and their colleagues worldwide.
Since 1915, our researchers have made significant contributions/milestones in the fight against lung disease by revolutionizing treatment and unlocking secrets of the body's immune systems. As such, premature babies are less likely to die for respiratory distress syndrome; TB rates are at an all time low; and young and old with chronic lung diseases are benefitting from improved treatment options such as lung transplantation, oxygen therapy and genetically-based medicines.
Unfortunately, while research makes such a difference in our lives, most medical discoveries go unseen and unheralded. In fact, most researchers will dedicate their entire career with the hope of finding that one major breakthrough that will lead to a cure for a particular lung disease. The Unseen Giants Video below describes the tremendous perseverance of a typical researcher funded by the American Lung Association.
DeSouza Research Award
The DeSouza Research Award
is made possible courtesy of a restricted bequest left by Mr. James L. DeSouza of Phoenix, Arizona. It focuses tuberculosis and related lung disease research.
Asthma Clinical Research Centers
The American Lung Association Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network is the nation's largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma treatment research, attracting some of the best asthma investigators worldwide. The ACRC Network conducts large clinical trials that will have a direct impact on patient care and asthma treatment. The Network consists of 18 asthma clinical research centers throughout the country and a Data Coordinating Center managed by a team at Johns Hopkins University.
The ACRC has accomplished a great deal in just a few years and has already contributed crucial knowledge in the quest to help people with asthma. Since its inception in 1999, the network has completed seven trials leading to 26 published papers in peer-review journals and an additional 37 papers in press or being prepared. The network has also secured approximately $15.3 million in government funding and 9.3 million in industry and foundation support, in addition to $28 million in American Lung Association support.
Awards and Grants
The goal of the American Lung Association Awards and Grants Program is to fund researchers at important crossroads of their careers to gain long-term commitment to lung disease research. The American Lung Association is particularly interested in highly meritorious research projects consistent with our mission related Strategic Planning Goals:
- Eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related lung diseases
- Improve the air we breathe so it will not cause or worsen lung disease
- Reduce the burden of lung disease on patients and their families
Our typical grant offerings include:
Training Awards
- Lung Health Dissertation Grant: $21,000/yr. Pre-doctoral support for nurses or students with an academic career focused on the various disciplines of social science. Research areas of particular interest to the American Lung Association are: psychosocial, behavioral, health services, health policy, epidemiological, biostatistical and educational matters related to lung disease. Duration: up to two years.
- Senior Research Training Fellowship: $32,500/yr.Post-doctoral support for MDs and/or PhDs receiving further academic training as scientific investigators. Research areas of particular interest to the American Lung Association are: adult pulmonary medicine, pediatric pulmonary medicine and lung biology. Duration: up to two years.
Independent Investigator Awards
- Biomedical Research Grant: $40,000/yr. Provides seed monies for investigators researching the mechanisms of lung disease and general lung biology. Duration: up to two years.
- Clinical Patient Care Research Grant: $40,000/yr. Provides seed monies for investigators working on traditional clinical studies examining methods of improving patient care and/or treatment for lung disease. Duration: up to two years.
- Social-Behavioral Research Grant: $40,000/yr. Provides seed monies for investigators working on epidemiological and behavioral studies examining risk factors affecting lung health. This grant includes studies concerning the ethical, legal and economic aspects of health services and policies. Duration: up to two years.
Donations
Since 1904, the American Lung Association has been saving lives by helping people quit smoking, funding research, advocating for healthy air, and educating millions about asthma. Our work is possible only through public donations. Make a donation now to help all Americans breathe easier.
