Johns Hopkins University

The John Hopkins AD-RCMAR trains and supports early- stage investigators from underrepresented backgrounds who are carrying out Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) relevant research that supports cognitive health and well-being in minority older adults to understand racial/ethnic disparities in ADRD and to develop interventions and preventive strategies to reduce cognitive impairment and dementia risk.

Call for Pilot

The Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (JHAD-RCMAR) –

funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Request for Pilot Research Proposals

The JHAD-RCMAR announces the availability of funding for 3 pilot projects on:

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DISORDERS IN MINORITY AGING FROM A BASIC SCIENCE, CLINICAL, PSYCHOSOCIAL, OR HEALTH SERVICES PERSPECTIVE 

JHAD-RCMAR funds are available to encourage innovative research focused on basic, clinical, psychosocial, or health services aspects of minority aging, Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders (ADRD) and health disparities. The overarching goal of the JHAD-RCMAR is to prepare the next generation of underrepresented minority researchers. However, the application is open to all individuals interested in the conduct of Alzheimer-related research that is culturally relevant and has potential to bridge research from discovery to implementation in ADRD minority aging. Those awarded pilot research funds through this mechanism will become JHAD- RCMAR Scientists and will receive additional career development support through the JHAD- RCMAR.

• Funds available: $30,000 (direct costs), plus F&A are available for each pilot. Each pilot project is expected to last one
• Eligibility: junior or senior investigators (who have not received an R01 or who are newly transitioning to ADRD and minority aging research), or post-doctoral fellows who are on track for promotion to at least Research Associate by July 1, 2022. For the post-doctoral fellows, we request a letter from a mentor confirming the promotional track. Applicants are not eligible if they were previously named a RCMAR Scientist/Scholar. The affiliation of the applicant can be from any University. This pilot program is not limited to those with Johns Hopkins University Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.

Due Date: February 1, 2022, by 5pm

Start Date: July 1, 2022

For more details about the application process, please join us for an informational webinar on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at 3:00 pm EST. To register in advance for this meeting:

https://jhjhm.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEoc-yorzgrHNC0GO74pnHC73wDBg5x0-ff

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. 

Application Requirements: 

• Cover Page (with applicant’s name, affiliation, project title, phone number, and email)
• Abstract (NIH format, PHS 398) (Abstract, only, needs to be completed)
• Five-page Biographical Sketch (NIH format, PHS 398) (Must include personal statement)
• Brief (limit 3 pages) proposal with Specific Aims, Significance, Innovation, Approach – including Preliminary Studies, Overview of Proposed Research and Methods (not including References) (Arial, 11pt)
• References
• Names and contact information for three potential reviewers. Suggested reviewers should not have collaborated with the applicant on grants, manuscripts, or other scholarly activities.
• A budget and budget justification are NOT required with the initial application. These materials will need to be submitted if funds are

Forms: Email the JHAD-RCMAR (JHAD_RCMAR@nulljhu.edu) for blank NIH forms, if needed.

Submission of Application: Submit the application as a single pdf (with the documents in the order listed above) to the JHAD-RCMAR (JHAD_RCMAR@nulljhu.edu) no later than 5pm on February 1, 2022.

Review Process: Initial reviews will be conducted by a Research Review Committee comprised of senior investigators at Johns Hopkins, and reviewers will then review selected applications.

Funding Decision: Applicants will be notified about the funding decision by April 1, 2022. Brief critiques will be included. Investigators to be funded must submit a budget, budget justification, and (for those including human subjects) targeted planned enrollment (in NIH format), to be approved by the NIA, prior to the release of funds. Investigators who are not funded will have the opportunity to review critiques of their application with the JHAD-RCMAR Directors and other senior investigators and will be encouraged to apply again in the next pilot review round.

Post-Award Requirement: Awardees will be required to: (1) agree to benchmarks prior to the receipt of funding, (2) submit a final report one month after the end date of the project, and (3) provide updates on an annual basis for JHAD-RCMAR Progress Reports to the NIH.

Information can also be found on the JHAD-RCMAR website: https://jhsph.edu/AD-RCMAR