The Duke/UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC, NIA P30AG028716) promotes research and
discovery in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD+ADRD) through its core resources. The central theme of our
ADRC is to identify age-related changes across the lifespan that mediate the development, progression, and experience of
Alzheimer’s disease. Applicants are highly encouraged to leverage the services and resources of the ADRC Cores. For
example, awardees have access to the expertise of a biostatistician and statistical support may be contributed or
contracted, depending on the level of need.
The goal of the ADRC developmental project program is to stimulate and support innovative, high
potential lines of research related to our theme: to identify age-related changes across the lifespan that contribute to the
development, progression, or experience of AD. DP awardees are supported by the ADRC Cores listed above. Awardees
are expected to pursue external funding in their research area and applications should convey the plan to use findings
from the developmental project to inform or justify future applications.
Letters of Intent are requested by Monday, Oct 16th.
The research focus can be basic, translational, epidemiological, or clinical so long as it supports the
ADRC’s mission and theme (see Figure). Research that bridges basic science and clinical areas, or has the potential to lead
to new interventions for prevention, treatment, or management of AD, or new diagnostic tools for early AD, is of particular
interest. Research related to health equity is also encouraged, particularly when proposed as part of a collaboration with
the ORE Core or other Cores. Research proposals should utilize one or more of the ADRC cores (see descriptions above).
Preference will be given to applications from early stage investigators (ESIs). More senior applicants should explain how
the DP funds will be used to support a novel line of research, which represents a pivot from their existing lines of research
and aligns well with the Duke/UNC ADRC theme. We strongly encourage the use of existing ADRC stored samples or
resources and aim to select at least one project that proposes their use during the first year
Candidates should be faculty, or an advanced fellow/postdoctoral student with clear plans for transition to
faculty status. Candidates must hold an appropriate academic or clinical appointment at Duke University or UNC Chapel
Hill by the award start-date of July 1, 2024. Only U.S. citizens or non-citizen nationals, or an individual lawfully admitted
for permanent residence who possesses an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551), or some other verification of
legal admission as a permanent resident prior to appointment, are eligible due to NIH regulations. Individuals on
temporary or student visas are not eligible.
DP awardees may propose up to $100,000 per year in direct funding, depending on project needs. Funding will
be provided for up to two years, with Year 2 funds contingent upon successful completion of Year 1 activities. The budget
justification should detail how personnel effort or other budgeted items are necessary to support the proposed project.
Applicants are encouraged to work with their Departments to determine the availability of matching Departmental funds
or in-kind contributions (e.g., commitment of PI effort to work on the project), and such contributions should be described
in the Budget Justifications. We expect to select 2 or more applications with Duke and UNC each having at least one