Seed Grants for Alzheimer's Disease Projects

 

ANNOUNCEMENT:

The University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute is launching a Seed Grant program for basic science research projects that aim to identify the biological causes of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Made possible by philanthropic gifts, these seed grants are intended to encourage exploratory neuroscience research in early and conceptual stages of development.

For this funding cycle, up to $25,000 for one year is available for basic science research projects in dementia, in keeping with the Brain Institute’s Assault on Alzheimer’s initiative.  No preliminary data are required. Funds cannot be used for indirect costs or the Principal Investigator’s salary. Funding will start on or before January 1, 2022.

Submission deadline: Friday, October 15, 2021

 

Seed Grant Scope

High-risk, high-reward experiments that could lead to breakthroughs about the fundamental causes of dementia are essential. Experiments can be exploratory. Experienced Alzheimer’s investigators as well as scientists new to the field are encouraged to apply; prior success in dementia research is not required.

The investigator is responsible for obtaining appropriate approvals from the Institutional Review Board and/or the Animal Care and Use Committee.

Eligibility: University of Pittsburgh faculty

 

Review Criteria

Preference will be given to proposals that:

  • Bring new investigators/approaches to the study of Alzheimer’s disease
  • Include cross-department/school collaborations
  • Include investigators from underrepresented populations
  • Have potential to generate data to support future R01-type grant applications

 

Application Guidelines

Applications must clearly state the relevance of the proposed research to dementia or related disorders.

Proposals should be brief and include six sections:

  • Title and Abstract (up to 200 words)
  • Biosketches for Investigator/Critical Personnel (NIH format)
  • Research Strategy (up to two pages, NIH format)
  • Budget (up to $25,000 over one year)
  • Budget Justification
  • Letter of Support from Department Chair

Note: If funded, a final report will be required.

Please submit applications by Friday, Oct. 15, to Brain Institute Program Director Anita Srikameswaran at AnitaSrikam@pitt.edu.