As we approach the mid-year mark, I wanted to share a few updates on the progress of our 2025 initiatives. From day one, the Scleroderma Research Foundation’s commitment to accelerating research has never wavered. Our mission to end this disease remains clear—which is why this year, we’ve prioritized major new research investments and vital collaborations among leading investigators.
This work is at the core of our mission, and it’s only possible thanks to the unstoppable support of the scleroderma community. We’re proud to share the impact your partnership is having on our research efforts:
• In March, we held our annual Science Workshop, where all funded investigators and new applicants came together for a two-day in-person meeting to share research project progress and exchange ideas with SRF’s Scientific Advisors. These discussions help guide funding decisions and inspire future collaborations.
• Looking ahead, we’ve approved increased research funding in 2025, with a projected total investment of $3.65 million by year’s end to fund new and renewed grants, as well assupport for academic institutions contributing to the CONQUER Registry.
• Great teams drive great progress; In Q1, we welcomed two new Board members, Mark Scher and Dan Schimberg, whose leadership experience will help advance our focused mission and bold goals.
• The CONQUEST clinical trial, launched by the SRF last year, has now begun enrolling patients at over 140 sites in more than 25 countries—an exciting step forward to accelerate the evaluation of potential new treatments for scleroderma.
• While the SRF receives no federal funding, we continue to stand with the broader scientific community to advocate for sustained investment in biomedical research. In the face of recent federal freezes and layoffs, we’re joining partners to support the essential work of the NIH and National Science Foundation—and urging renewed bipartisan commitment to the future of science and medicine so that our vision for a future with improved therapies for all patients is preserved.
These are just a few ways your steadfast support is driving meaningful progress to end this disease. There’s still much work ahead—but today, a cure is closer than ever. Together, we will achieve our vision: a world free from scleroderma.
Warmly,
Joanne Gold
Executive Director
Scleroderma Research Foundation
