The Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center solicits proposals for NIA-funded developmental projects from investigators who want to develop research on Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, or other neurodegenerative dementias. Applications pertinent to basic mechanisms of memory, learning and cognition with relevance for aging and dementia are also welcome, as are proposals on studies of health services for memory care and dementia. Previous experience in research on neurodegeneration is not required. The specific purpose of an NIA developmental project grant from the Center is to help an investigator obtain preliminary data leading to extramural funding. The success of the program is evaluated based on this goal.
Funding
The IADRC may fund up to five developmental projects up to $50,000 per year to support Alzheimer's disease research in areas ranging from basic to translational and clinical investigations. Studies of pre-clinical phases of disease and approaches useful in differentiating disease processes from normal aging, as well as multi-etiology dementia, early interventions, imaging and biomarkers, are encouraged. Applicants may consult with ADRC scientists for strategic and statistical advice.
Funding Awards are anticipated for July 1, 2027.
Eligibility
New/early stage faculty (i.e. instructor, assistant professor, or equivalent, with institutional privileges to serve as PI on federal grants).
Application Deadline
- Letter of Intent (no longer than one page) is due Friday, Nov. 13. Email the LOI to iadrcac@iu.edu.
- Application due Monday, Jan. 4, 2027
- Cover letter confirming your proposal is a NEW pilot project and not supported by federal or non-federal sponsored goals
- NIH Biosketch (SciENcv)
- Proposal
- Lay Summary (half page)
- Abstract (half page)
- Specific Aims (half page)
- Research plan and references (1½ pages, including preliminary data, although not required)
Criteria for Review
- Investigator potential and eligibility
- Novelty, importance and feasibility of the proposed research
- Likelihood of generating independent funding and publishable results
- Use of IADRC resources (e.g. data and/or biospecimens from IADRC participants or their inclusion in a pilot study) and/or resources available through the NACC and/or NCRAD are strongly encouraged. IADRC resources include clinical/cognitive/neuroimaging, multi-omics and digital pathology data, as well as biofluids and brain tissue.
- Proposed work should adhere to NIH guidelines for statistical rigor, animal welfare, and protection of human subjects.
The funding of the IADRC Developmental Projects is conditional on continued support form the National Institute on Aging, as well as approval of recommended proposals by the program officer.