Program objectives

The Investigator-Initiated Research Grant (IIRG) forms the backbone of the Alzheimer’s Association grant program. To be considered responsive, the research grant application must address a question or questions relevant to the 2008 areas of focus or a compelling issue in Alzheimer research pertinent to the applicant’s special interest or expertise.

The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the need to increase the number of scientists from underrepresented minorities in the research enterprise. Researchers from these groups are encouraged to apply to the IIRG competition.

Funding and award period

The Association anticipates funding 55 awards under the IIRG program.  Each total award is limited to $240,000 (direct and indirect costs) for up to three years. Requests in any given year may not exceed $100,000 (direct and indirect).  Indirect costs are capped at 10 percent (rent for laboratory/office space is expected to be covered by indirect costs paid to the institution).

Eligibility

Researchers with full-time staff or faculty appointments are encouraged to apply. IIRG applications from post-doctoral candidates will not be accepted.

Receipt of application deadlines and award dates

Letters of intent must be received by the close of business, 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, December 1, 2007.  Letters of intent will not be accepted after this date. No exceptions will be made.

To be considered under this research grant program, applications must be received by the close of business, 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, January 4, 2008.  Scientific and technical review will be conducted during February through May 2008.

The second-level review by the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council will be conducted during June 2008. We anticipate funding 55 awards by July 2008.

Mechanism of award and reporting requirements

The mechanism of award is the individual research grant. The maximum duration of award is three years. Annual progress and financial reports are required. Continuation of the grant over the awarded duration is contingent upon the timely submission of interim scientific and financial reports.

Budget: A “budget summary” for the proposed research project is required and must be submitted with the application and within the allowable page limits. However, if the application is to be awarded, a more detailed budget will be required prior to the disbursement of funds.

• It is required that most of the funds awarded under this program be used for direct research support.

Other allowable costs include:

• Purchase and care of laboratory animals

• Small pieces of laboratory equipment and laboratory supplies.

• Salary for the principal investigator, scientific (including postdoctoral fellows) and technical staff (including laboratory technicians and modest secretarial support)

• Support for travel to scientific and professional meetings usually attended by the investigators

• Computer hardware or software

• Construction or renovation costs

• Tuition

• Rent for laboratory office space