Introduction

The Alzheimer's Association Research Grant to Promote Diversity - New to the Field (AARG-D-NTF) is a grant program designed to fund investigators who are new to Alzheimer's and all dementia fields of research. The program aims to increase the number of highly trained investigators from diverse backgrounds whose research interests are grounded in advanced methods and experimental approaches needed to solve problems related to Alzheimer's and all other dementias. The Alzheimer's Association recognizes the need to increase the number of scientists from underrepresented groups participating in biomedical and behavioural research. This grant is open to U.S. and international researchers.

Scope of Work

The AARG-D-NTF award is up to three years (minimum two years) to increase the number of scientists from underrepresented groups at academic institutions in Alzheimer’s and all other dementia research. The AARG-D-NTF aims to fund investigators who are new to Alzheimer’s and all dementia fields of research. Individuals new to the field of neuroscience or neurodegeneration (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, or Vascular Dementia) will be considered for this program. The New to the Field program aims to provide an opportunity for investigators with expertise outside neurodegenerative research to apply their expertise to advance and accelerate Alzheimer's and all other dementia research. Competitive applications to this program emphasize how the specific expertise/approach will advance research.

Eligibility

Applicants for the AARG and AARG-D-NTF programs must be Assistant Professors or above at their academic institution and new to the field of neuroscience or neurodegeneration. Before submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), applicants should contact the Alzheimer's Association Research Grants Team. The applicant should not have more than one publication as a first or last author in the Alzheimer’s or other dementia field and should not have more than $200,000 in current or past funding for Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Underrepresented faculty in biomedical and behavioural research are encouraged to apply. Applicants from low and middle-income countries are also encouraged to apply.

Budget and Duration

Each AARG-D-NTF award total is limited to $200,000 (direct and indirect costs) for up to three years (Award should be a minimum 2 years. For a 2-year award the total is limited to $140,000 with direct and indirect costs). Requests may not exceed $70,000 in any given year (direct and indirect costs). Indirect costs are capped at 10 per cent of total direct costs and are inclusive of indirect costs for the implementing institution as well as to any subcontracts.

Additional Information

Key Dates

• Letter of Intent deadline: September 5, 2024, 5 p.m. EST

• Letter of Intent notifications: Week of October 7, 2024

• Application deadline: November 12, 2024, 5 p.m. EST

• Award notifications: Prior to February 28, 2025

Application Process

Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the ProposalCentral website. Registration is required. If invited to submit a full application, applicants must submit their application through the ProposalCentral website.

Selection Process

The criteria for evaluating AARG-D-NTF LOIs include:

• Background and training of the applicant

• Demonstrable innovation/novelty of the proposed project

• Alignment with Alzheimer’s Association research priorities

• Impact on Alzheimer’s and related dementia research

• Methodological rigor addressing the research question(s)

If invited to submit a full application, the evaluation will also consider:

• Significance of the question being studied

• Applicant information and qualifications of collaborators

• Quality of the work plan, including novelty and innovation

• Resources and budget adequacy

• Impact on diverse science advancement

• Impact-risk of the proposal

Contact Information

For any inquires or additional information, please get in touch with a member of the Alzheimer's Association Research Grants Team at grantsapp@alz.org.

Reporting Requirements

This award requires:

• Annual scientific progress reports.

• Annual financial reports.

• Annual reports on recruitment & retention efforts (if applicable).

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.