Open Call: McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss

Jul 18, 2024 | Awards & Funding, Research, Uncategorized

To: All Science Faculty & Researchers
From: Office of Foundation Relations
Subject: Funding Opportunity

The Office of Foundation Relations is pleased to share this open call for funding from the McKnight Brain Research Foundation.

UCSC Contact: Caroline Rodriguez | caroline@ucsc.edu
Funder: McKnight Brain Research Foundation
Opportunity: Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss
Deadline: August 12, 2024

Overview

The major goal of the program is to identify emerging scientific leaders by building a cadre of outstanding research scientists across the United States to lead transformative research in the field of cognitive aging.

One award will be made to support innovative studies focusing on clinical translational research and another will support innovative studies of basic biological mechanisms underlying cognitive aging and age-related memory loss.

The program targets full-time independent investigators at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (or equivalent) with established independent research programs who have already demonstrated a firm commitment to cognitive aging research. It will add substantial start-up support for a period of three years to help these investigators develop and/or expand an outstanding research program in cognitive aging and memory loss.

Award Amount & Terms

  • 3-year awards of $750,000

  • Maximum of 10% may be used for indirect expenses or institutional overhead

Eligibility

To be eligible, the applicant must:

  • Have completed research training prior to the beginning of this award (October 1, 2024):

    • PhD candidates: no more than 7 years from the completion of formal post-doctoral research training post-PhD,

    • MD or combined degree candidates: no more than 12 years from the date when finished residency.

  • Exceptions to the 7 and 12 year limits may be considered for certain life events (e.g. familial, personal commitments or other exceptional circumstances). An exception request can be submitted by emailing an NIH-style biosketch to AFAR at grants@afar.org at least one week prior to the deadline date.

  • Be an independent investigator at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (promoted to the rank of Associate Professor no earlier than October 1, 2021), who has received R01 funding (or equivalent funding such as an NIH DP5, R35 or NSF Research awards.)

  • Be tenure-track faculty or equivalent in an academic or non-profit institution with evidence of long-term institutional support as indicated by commitment of resources including independent laboratory space, start-up research funds and personnel. Candidates not in a tenure-track position are also eligible and should demonstrate similar evidence of long-term institutional support and not be in a time-limited appointment.

  • Have a proven track record of research accomplishments in cognitive aging as indicated by their publications in high-impact journals, awards, and other metrics of peer recognition.

  • Provide evidence of institutional commitment as described in a form completed by the Dean or CEO and a letter of commitment signed by the Department Chair.

  • Be in full time employment at an academic or non-profit research institution in the United States.

Timeline

  • August 12, 2024 Application deadline
  • September 30, 2024 Anticipated Award Announcement
  • October 1, 2024 Award Start Date

Special Instructions

Please notify the Office of Foundation Relations if you are interested in applying to this opportunity (fr@ucsc.edu). Please submit a proposal intake form prior to UCSC’s internal Institutional Deadlines. For support developing your proposal, please contact the Research Development Specialist assigned to your unit or send a request to resdev@ucsc.edu.

Call Sent: July 17, 2024


The Office of Foundation Relations is a unit of University Advancement. The FR team creates and maintains mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with private organizations, matching grant initiatives with educational and research programs and centers. FR supports faculty and staff to identify and approach these and other private foundations for funding, to assist in strategic positioning of the grant application, and to facilitate funder campus visits. For a list of recent funding opportunities, please visit the FR website. FR Calls for Funding

If you have any questions or comments, please contact caroline@ucsc.edu