Process

How to submit a proposal.

A two-step process designed to give investigators clear feedback fast — and to ensure approved projects get the methodological support they need to publish at the highest scientific bar.

Open the submission form → Read the guidelines
The flow

Four steps from idea to publication.

1

Letter of Intent

A brief two-paragraph submission to the Board of Directors describing your hypothesis, proposal, and key data elements needed.

~ 2 paragraphs · 1 week review
2

Conflict review

The CRF checks with Corrona, LLC to determine if there is any overlap or conflict with current or planned activities and priorities.

~ 1 – 2 weeks
3

Full proposal

If approved, submit a 2-page proposal with hypothesis, methodology, novel insights, references, and projected timelines.

~ 2 pages · CIC review
4

Numerical rating

The Clinical Investigators Committee reviews and numerically rates the proposal. Accepted projects get biostatistics support from Dr. Reed.

~ 4 – 6 weeks
Guidelines

What to include.

Please read the CRF Publications, Presentations and Ancillary Study Proposals Guidelines before completing your full proposal.

Step 1 · Letter of Intent

A first step to submitting a proposal is a brief, 2-paragraph submission that describes:

a
Hypothesis

The research question your project will address.

b
Proposal

How you'll approach answering it.

c
Key data elements

What CRF data you need.

d
Investigator info

Lead author, institution, contact.

What happens next

The CRF will check with Corrona, LLC to determine if there is any overlap or conflict with their current or planned activities. If no conflicts are identified, the submitter is notified of approval to proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 · Full Proposal (2 pages)

1
Hypotheses & research themes

Clearly defined, with the data elements required to address the topic.

2
Skeletal tables & figures

Description of analytical outputs along with suggested methodological approach.

3
Timelines

Projected timelines for completion and target ACR or EULAR meeting.

4
Methods section

Anticipated support needed from CRF biostat professionals.

5
Impact & relevance

How the project expands existing knowledge.

6
Collaborations

Senior/junior investigators from CIC or the PI's institution.

Submission types

What can be proposed.

Type · 01

Manuscript

Peer-reviewed publication intended for journals such as Arthritis & Rheumatology, ARD, Journal of Rheumatology.

Type · 02

National scientific meeting

Posters and oral presentations targeting ACR, EULAR, or other annual meetings.

Type · 03

Pilot data for grant

Preliminary data for a peer-reviewed grant application from the PI and proposer's institution.

Ready to submit?

Open the submission form. Your work autosaves to your browser as you type, and you can save and continue later.

Start your proposal →