The American Lung Association Research Institute’s Awards & Grants Program supports promising scientists whose discoveries are advancing the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung disease. For more than 120 years, the Lung Association has played a critical role in advancing research that has transformed patient care and improved millions of lives.
As the 2026–2027 funding cycle moves forward, we look ahead to another year of investing in innovative research that will shape the future of lung health. To learn more about our funding process, visit: Lung.org/awards
Spotlight on Awardees
With 46 projects receiving funding as part of this latest cycle, we are currently funding a total of 122 awards. Here are a few highlights of the newly funded researchers and their projects.
Mary Berlik Rice, MD, MPH, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
Indoor Air Research Award: Purifying Indoor Air of Biological and Chemical Pollutants to Enhance Respiratory Health in Eosinophilic COPD
Could cleaner indoor air help people with COPD breathe easier? This study is testing whether HEPA air purifiers reduce harmful pollutants in the home and improve lung function, symptoms and quality of life.
James Kim, MD, PhD, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Lung Cancer Discovery Award: Epithelial to Neuronal Transition as a Driver of SCLC Brain Metastasis
Studying how small cell lung cancer (SCLC) spreads to the brain, where treatment options are limited, this research could identify new targets for therapies that prevent or slow brain metastases. It hopes to improve outcomes for people with this aggressive disease.
Filiz Korkmaz, PhD, The University of Iowa
Innovation Award: Mechanisms of Lung Repair through LOX-1+ Neutrophils and B Cell Crosstalk
Healthy immune cells play an important role in protecting the lungs from damage during pneumonia. By uncovering how these cells reduce inflammation and promote healing, this research could inspire new therapies that improve recovery after serious lung infections.
Sergio Poli, MD, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Inc.
Dalsemer Interstitial Research Grant: Pathogenic T Cell States Driving Progression from Subclinical RA-ILA to RA-ILD
This project will study blood samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without lung scarring to identify early warning signs and immune pathways that contribute to lung damage. The goal is to better understand disease progression and help develop approaches to slow lung disease in people living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Feroze Ganaie, PhD, MBA, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Catalyst Award: Investigating Mechanisms of Pneumococcal Vaccine Failure in COPD
This project investigates why certain strains of the bacteria that cause pneumonia can evade existing vaccines, even in vaccinated people. Findings could lead to more effective vaccines and help reduce serious lung infections, especially among older adults with chronic lung disease.
Caroline Sokol, MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital
ALA/AAAAI Allergic Respiratory Diseases Research Award: Sensory Neuronal Control of CD4+ Tissue-Resident Memory in Allergic Inflammation
Asthma attacks are fueled by immune cells that “remember” past allergen exposure and react quickly when triggered. This project examines how nerves in the lungs activate these cells, opening the door to therapies that could prevent asthma flare-ups before they begin.
Page last updated: July 31, 2026
