The Center on Aging at the University of Utah offers an annual internal funding opportunity aimed at advancing the field of aging research through two types of pilot awards: the Center on Aging Pilot and the Innovations in Aging Research. These awards are designed to support early-stage projects that stimulate new avenues of inquiry, particularly by fostering the involvement of new investigators, encouraging established researchers to pivot into aging-focused studies, and promoting interdisciplinary collaborations that can lead to external grant funding. As part of its institutional commitment to advancing aging research, the Center has allocated up to $150,000 in funding for the current fiscal year.
The Center on Aging Pilot grant serves as a traditional pathway for funding exploratory or preliminary research projects in aging. This category targets University of Utah researchers aiming to gather preliminary data, test novel hypotheses, or establish the feasibility of a study. Meanwhile, the Innovations in Aging Research track is intended for more novel or high-risk ideas that may push the boundaries of conventional research in the aging space. Both award types are positioned to increase the likelihood of investigators securing external funding by supporting foundational work.
The funding is exclusively available to researchers affiliated with the University of Utah, which positions this opportunity as institutionally focused rather than open to the general public or broader academic community. Interested applicants must first complete a Letter of Intent (LOI), due by March 2, 2026. This serves as a pre-application gate, after which selected candidates will be invited to submit a full proposal. The submission deadline for the full 3-page proposals varies by track: April 20, 2026, for the Center on Aging Pilot and May 4, 2026, for the Innovations in Aging Research award.
Proposals must adhere strictly to the 3-page limit and are expected to be concise yet comprehensive. Detailed application requirements are outlined in the official Requests for Proposals (RFAs), which can be accessed via the respective program links. Although the specific evaluation criteria are not disclosed in the public announcement, it is implied that the selection will focus on the potential for external funding, innovative scope, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Programmatic inquiries should be directed to Heather Podolan, Academic Program Manager, or Dr. Alayne Markland, Executive Director. Their roles suggest they are available for clarifications or logistical questions. Given the recurring nature of the program and the structured timeline from LOI to final submission, this funding opportunity appears to be a well-established internal initiative aimed at strategically growing the University’s portfolio in aging-related research.
