Innovations in Aging Research Grant Program

The Innovations in Aging Research funding opportunity is administered by the University of Utah’s Center on Aging (CoA). Since its establishment in 2006, the CoA has supported pilot grants aimed at cultivating aging-related research at the University, with a strong emphasis on building interdisciplinary research capacity. This particular RFP (Request for Proposals) represents a more expansive approach than the traditional CoA Pilot Grant by specifically targeting multi-investigator and collaborative research initiatives that are likely to lead to substantial external funding from agencies such as the NIH and other foundations. The aim is to seed projects that result in multi-PI R01s, P01s, and various center-level grants like P30s and P60s. Past recipients, such as the “One U for Caregiving Science” initiative and the HARP Lab project, serve as illustrative examples of the high-impact collaborations supported through this program. This funding opportunity invites proposals from interdisciplinary teams committed to innovative aging research that leverages collaboration between at least two independent research groups or investigators. Preferred applications are those that integrate diverse academic perspectives and are positioned to produce preliminary data suitable for competitive, extramurally funded proposals. Areas of research interest under this RFP include cognitive resilience and dementia, vascular and physical aging, women’s health, remote monitoring technologies, and the development of age-friendly health systems. Also emphasized are topics concerning frailty, medication optimization in older adults, and the long-term effects of mid-life exposures on aging outcomes. Applicants must be University of Utah faculty holding a Career or Tenure line appointment. Though Center on Aging membership is not a prerequisite for eligibility, applicants are encouraged to apply for membership in parallel with proposal submission. The project must be collaborative, with clearly defined roles and scientific contributions from each participating investigator. Proposals should be no more than three pages in length and must cover the significance of the aging-related issue, innovation, investigator synergy, and a robust scientific approach. An additional one-page plan for extramural funding is also required, detailing the intended funding mechanism, leadership strategy, and future sustainability. NIH-formatted biosketches for all investigators and a detailed budget are also mandatory components. The total budget request for each project may not exceed $50,000, and funds must be used within a two-year period. Allowable expenses include salaries for post-doctoral fellows, students, technicians, research supplies, and certain services. Faculty salaries are generally not covered, with the exception of a justifiable partial summer salary for faculty with nine-month appointments. Major equipment purchases (above $5,000) and travel unrelated to research activities are disallowed. Budgets must include a clear justification for how funds will be allocated between investigators, and applicants are required to submit a departmental support letter affirming availability of protected time to conduct the research. The proposal submission deadline is May 4, 2026, by 11:59 PM MST. Letters of intent, which are mandatory for eligibility, must have been submitted and approved in advance. All proposals must be submitted as a single PDF document via email to Heather Podolan, Program Manager. Selected proposals are expected to receive funding decisions by mid-June 2026, with projects commencing as early as July 1, 2026. Project teams may request a no-cost extension, pending leadership approval, if funds remain unspent at the end of the project term. A final report and financial accounting will be required at the conclusion of the funding period, and funded investigators must present their findings at the 2027 Center on Aging Research Retreat. Questions can be directed to Heather Podolan ([email protected]; 801-213-4156) or Dr. Alayne Markland ([email protected]). Additional contacts include members of the CoA Steering Committee, whose emails are listed in the RFP. This RFP reflects the Center’s strong commitment to fostering innovative, collaborative aging research with significant translational and community impact.

Strong interdisciplinary design and clear extramural funding plans improve competitiveness; involvement with CoA is encouraged.