Request for Applications: Framingham Heart Study Brain Aging Program (FHS-BAP) and Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (BU ADRC) Grants Program
The Boston University Framingham Heart Study Brain Aging Program (FHS-BAP) and Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (BU ADRC) are soliciting applications for research grants targeting Alzheimer’s disease (AD), AD-related dementias (ADRD), and brain aging. Areas of focus may include, but are not limited to, genetic, genomic, biomarker, pathological, epidemiological, behavioral, brain imaging, ethical, and health systems aspects. It is anticipated that three successful applications will be awarded, one in each of the following programs:
1. FHS-BAP Pilot Grant: One-year non-renewable project with a direct cost budget up to $25,000. The FHS-BAP pilot grant is 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. Proposed research must include a major component involving analysis of existing FHS data. We welcome and encourage proposals that will use data from the Omni Study, a minority cohort of FHS.
2. BU ADRC Development Grant: One -year non-renewable study with a direct cost budget up to $25,000. This mechanism is intended to support new investigators from other fields eager to apply their expertise to research questions related to AD or test the feasibility of novel research leading to preliminary data for larger grant applications. Proposals must utilize the BU ADRC’s resources or data (including the participant registry and/or brain bank) to be considered for funding. Proposals involving Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) are strongly encouraged.
3. Combined FHS-BAP and BU ADRC Grant: One-year non-renewable study with a direct cost budget up to $50,000. This mechanism is intended to support translational research on AD and AD-related neurodegenerative diseases leading to improved diagnosis, novel drug targets and greater understanding of disease pathogenesis. Proposals must include a component involving analysis of FHS data and utilize BU ADRC resources.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the FHS-BAP Pilot Grant Program directors, Dr. Kathryn Lunetta (klunetta@bu.edu) or Dr. Wendy Qiu (wqiu67@bu.edu), to discuss proposals involving FHS resources before submitting your application.
An overview of FHS and a summary of information about FHS data particularly relevant to brain aging is available here.
A detailed description of the organization and history of the Framingham Heart Study is available here.
An overview of the BU ADRC is available here.
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 ideas using FHS and BU ADRC studies. Proposals to conduct research using FHS biospecimens are beyond the scope of this program, but using BU ADRC biospecimens is encouraged.
Submitted proposals should include:
1) Name of grant program and the title of the proposal
2) Specific aims and research proposal (maximum 3 pages total excluding references)
3) Key personnel biosketch(es)
4) Detailed budget and justification.
5) Letter of support from primary advisor (for postdoctoral level applicants only)
Please use NIH PHS 398 forms for the submitted items.
Applications should be submitted by email as a single PDF by February 1, 2023 to Nancy Ortega (nortega@bu.edu).
Questions about the grant programs or application guidelines should be directed to the FHS-BAP Program Manager, Nancy Ortega or the BU-ADRC administrator, Beverly Young (bmyoung@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 and the BU ADRC Executive Committee will make funding decisions based on these scores and program priorities. The selected grants will be funded from April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024.