Application deadline extended for MADC pilot project program

As the health care community seeks to understand and cure Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, the U-M Alzheimer’s Disease Center, also known as MADC, considers it among its highest priorities to support innovative, high-impact research.

The MADC Pilot Project Program is partially supported by the Alzheimer’s Disease Core Center, or ADCC, linking U-M, Michigan State University and Wayne State University. The program provides “kick-starter” funds to U-M, Michigan State, Wayne State and Veteran Affairs Ann Arbor Health System investigators to test new ideas about the causes and treatment of dementing disorders.

The ADCC’s central theme focuses on identifying, understanding and modulating the numerous non-beta amyloid factors that contribute to brain dysfunction and neurodegeneration.

Pilot projects should emphasize one or more of the following:

• The center’s thematic focus on non-beta amyloid factors contributing to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration in dementia

• Leveraging of resources available at the MADC and its cores and co-enrollment of participants in the MADC’s longitudinal cohort

• Utilization of databases available at the MADC, the Michigan Brain Bank via the MADC Neuropathology Core, the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center or the Alzheimer’s Diseases Neuroimaging Initiative

• Novel methods of detecting/treating cognitive changes

• Emphasis on studying cognition and unique challenges to diagnosing and treating age-related dementia in underrepresented minorities

• Focus on aging, frailty and cognitive changes due to aging in older adults

The MADC is committed to funding two pilot projects this year, open to any investigator at the three universities. The MADC invites members of the scientific community from these partner institutions to submit applications for pilot project funding. The proposed research must be relevant to Alzheimer’s disease and/or non-amyloid related dementias. We anticipate funding at least two $35,000 (direct cost only) projects for a period of one year, beginning Feb. 1, 2017 and ending Jan. 31, 2018.

We encourage investigators at all levels to apply. Applications received from junior investigators, established investigators new to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia research, and investigators who have not previously received pilot project funding through the MADC will be looked upon most favorably. Emphasis will also be given to projects that link researchers from multidisciplinary fields and across the universities.

Applications should be no more than three pages in length and describe research commensurate with a one year award.

Applications are due by January 6, 2017 and should be submitted the U-M Medical School portal.

Website: https://umms.infoready4.com/#homePage