One of the ways we demonstrate our uncompromising commitment to patients is by advancing research in cystic fibrosis (CF) — in our own labs and through independent research grants. Since 2014, we have supported nearly 60 projects with two programs: Vertex CF Research Innovation Awards and Vertex Innovation Awards. These programs are competitive grants created to inspire and support both up-and-coming and established CF researchers who strive to further the understanding of the disease. “The impact of our CF research grants can be felt across the globe,” said Erin Stewart, Director of Grants and Giving. “To date, we have awarded 60 grants across 11 countries to advance scientific and clinical research in support of the CF community.”
What are these programs and why do they matter?
Vertex CF Research Innovation Awards (RIA): We launched RIA in 2015 because we realized there was an opportunity to support early career researchers and contribute to the growing body of research in CF. One of the unique aspects of this program is that we offer both mentored research and independent research grants to help investigators establish their careers and research portfolio. From studying Staphylococcus aureus host-bacterium interactions to the role of circular ribonucleic acid, our M.D. and Ph.D. grantees have pursued innovative research questions across the CF research landscape.
Front row (L-R): Dr. Renee Ng (Former Research Assistant of the project), Dr. Kak-Ming Ling (Vertex CF RIA recipient) and Miss Liza Mantjani (Research Assistant).
According to Dr. Kak-Ming Ling, who is based in Australia and is a recipient of a Mentored RIA grant, receiving the Vertex CF RIA allowed her to “explore my innovative ideas, forge collaborations with eminent experts in the field, gather preliminary data for my upcoming research venture, and bolster my qualifications for future fellowship applications.” She also shared that her biggest takeaway from her research project so far is that “research is vital for enhancing the quality of life for individuals with CF.”
Vertex Innovation Awards (VIA): Our first CF research program, VIA was established in 2014 with the goal of supporting collaborative clinical research projects led by an individual or individuals with an established career interest in CF. VIA recipients have pursued many bold ideas, including ways to use artificial intelligence/machine learning with imaging techniques and studying care delivery via telehealth.
One of our VIA projects is a study at Amsterdam University Medical Center (Amsterdam UMC) evaluating a home-monitoring tool. Dr. Paul Brinkman, Assistant Professor at Amsterdam UMC and Project Coordinator for ONELAB, shared that his motivation to pursue this area of research is “to support people with CF in their search to gain more insight and control of their disease.” His biggest takeaway so far? That “multifaceted projects are very inspiring and bring lots of new insights.”
Interested in learning more?
Applications open each year in September and are reviewed and selected by an independent steering committee.
Check out all our grants and giving initiatives at https://www.vrtx.com/responsibility/grants-and-giving/.