The Equine Cushing's and Insulin Resistance (ECIR) Group began in 1999 and is currently the largest field-trial database for Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) and Equine Metabolic Syndrome/Insulin Resistance (EMS/IR) in the world. The group communicates the latest research, diagnosis, and treatment information, including dietary recommendations, for horses with these conditions through a central outreach group, website, and social media.
In 2013 the Equine Cushing's and Insulin Resistance Group Inc., an Arizona nonprofit corporation, was approved as a 501(c)3 public charity. Tax-deductible contributions and grants support ongoing research, education, and awareness of equine PPID and EMS/IR.
The mission of the ECIR Group Inc. is to improve the welfare of equines with metabolic disorders via a unique interface between basic research and real-life clinical experience. Prevention of laminitis is the ultimate goal. The ECIR Group serves the scientific community, practicing clinicians, and owners by focusing on investigations most likely to directly, immediately, and significantly benefit the welfare of the horse.
The ECIR Research Vision
The ECIR Group recognizes that quality scientific research is critical to the continuous advancement of knowledge. Our vision is to improve the quality of life of equines with metabolic conditions, to empower owners, hoof professionals, and veterinarians by advancing knowledge that will improve the health of equines with metabolic disorders, ease the burden of care for horse owners and, above all, prevent laminitis. This will be accomplished by funding research and encouraging collaboration between scientists, scholars, veterinarians, hoof care professionals, and those whose decisions and actions affect the welfare of horses with metabolic conditions.
With this vision in mind, the ECIR Group Inc. is announcing a call for research proposals in line with the mission of the group. Research investigations are limited to 1 year with a maximum award of $50,000.
Deadline for submission is May 31, 2024, with notification of award on July 1, 2024.
Types of Research Projects
Applications for funding should be limited to topics relevant to EMS and PPID, especially those within the Group philosophy and broad topics of diagnosis, diet, trim, exercise (DDT/E), and prevention of laminitis. Proposals that meet these general guidelines will all be considered.
