NIH-funded research Training grant

Training new scientists in rheumatic diseases

Official title: Training Program/Rheumatic Diseases

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11094963 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This program is training new scientists to explore the causes and treatments of rheumatic diseases, like arthritis, by working together at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, so they can help improve care for patients of all ages.

Quick facts

Grant typeTraining grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startMay 1, 2020
Project endMay 31, 2030
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$343,814
NIH project number2T32AR076951-06
Project IDNIH-11094963 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with rheumatic diseases or musculoskeletal pain disorders.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-rheumatic conditions or those not affected by musculoskeletal pain disorders may not receive benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This program focuses on training new scientists to investigate the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of rheumatic diseases. It combines efforts from both adult and pediatric rheumatology divisions at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Participants will engage in a variety of research methodologies, including laboratory investigation, clinical epidemiology, and bioinformatics, to advance understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal pain disorders. The program aims to develop future leaders in the field of rheumatology through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and outcomes for patients suffering from rheumatic diseases.

How similar studies have gone: Other training programs in rheumatology have shown success in developing new treatments and improving patient care, indicating a strong potential for this program as well.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Merkel, Peter a — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Merkel, Peter a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.