Columbia Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Alzheimer’s Disease Disparities – (CIRAD)

Columbia University Health Sciences

Visit the CIRAD website

The Columbia Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Alzheimer’s Disease Disparities (CIRAD) is a RCMAR that supports scientists from backgrounds historically excluded in Alzheimer’s Disease research to address gaps in knowledge about AD disparities. We aim to accelerate innovative research on the mechanisms of inequalities in ADRD, including behavioral, sociocultural, and environmental risk and resilience factors, biomarkers, and caregiving.

Over the past seven years, we have supported 24 early career investigators with funding, mentoring, and opportunities for professional development and interdisciplinary collaboration. For more information about our scientists, please see here. For more information about our leadership and faculty, click here.

We accept innovative pilot proposals that address the fundamental causes of ADRD disparities (racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia), using multiple levels of analysis (environmental, sociocultural, behavioral, biological), and a life course perspective. Pilots should be completed within twelve months of the award with a budget of up to $50,000.

Every year, we open the call for applications in early January. The Letter of Intent is due in late January, the full application deadline is in mid-February, and we send out notifications in mid-March. For a detailed guide on eligibility and how to apply, please see here.