Accepting Applications: Framingham Heart Study Brain Aging Program Pilot Grants
The recently established Boston University Framingham Heart Study Brain Aging Program (FHS BAP) is soliciting proposals focusing on genetic, genomic, biomarker, epidemiological, behavioral, brain imaging, ethical, health systems or other research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), AD-related disorders, and brain aging. Proposed research must include a major component involving analysis of existing FHS data. It is anticipated that two proposals up to $25,000 in direct costs for one-year non renewable projects will be awarded. The FHS-BAP pilot grants are not intended to support large undertakings by established investigators or to enhance ongoing research projects that are already funded. Rather, the program will consider proposals for new projects that are likely to lead to a new research direction for brain aging and AD and to future, larger funded research projects.
For an overview of FHS and a summary of information about FHS data particularly relevant to brain aging, see https://tinyurl.com/BU-BrainAgingProject.
A detailed description of the organization and history of the Framingham Heart Study can be found at https://framinghamheartstudy.org/fhs-about/.
Eligibility
Proposals are encouraged from early stage BU investigators (including post-doctoral associates and faculty at the instructor and assistant professor levels) already working within the AD and brain aging field, and from experienced investigators working in other research areas who want to obtain preliminary results for a novel brain aging and AD-related research idea using FHS data. Proposals to conduct research using FHS biospecimens are beyond the scope of this program.
Proposal Submissions
Submitted proposals should include:
- Specific aims and research proposal (maximum 3 pages total excluding references)
- Key personnel biosketch(es)
- Detailed budget and justification.
- Letter of support from primary advisor (for postdoctoral level applicants only)
Please use NIH PHS 398 forms (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html) for the submitted items.
Email a single PDF including the 3 or 4 required components by February 1, 2021 to the FHS-BAP Program Manager, Melanie Reeves at reevesme@bu.edu
Review Process
At least two content experts will review and score each proposal based on scientific merit using NIH criteria. The FHS-BAP Steering Committee will make funding decisions based on these scores and program priorities. The selected grants will be funded from April 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022.
Questions regarding eligibility or FHS data should be directed to the FHS-BAP Pilot Grant Program directors, Dr. Kathryn Lunetta (klunetta@bu.edu) or Dr. Wendy Qiu (wqiu67@bu.edu). Please contact Melanie Reeves with inquiries about the application process.