We are pleased to announce the funding cycle for this year’s Development Projects and Pilot Grants from the Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC); funding will be available in July 2026. The primary goal of this funding is to develop Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders (ADRD) research that will lead to publications and extramural research applications or produce resources useful to the WF ADRC community.
Projects can encompass basic, translational, clinical, or implementation science research. The scientific focus of the WF ADRC is the link between metabolic and vascular diseases and the transitions from normal aging to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD, and AD-related dementias (ADRD). Applications that align with the scientific focus of the WF ADRC and that propose using WF ADRC resources are strongly encouraged, but proposals on other topics will be considered. Examples of thematically related studies include the relationship of metabolic or vascular indices (e.g., fluid, imaging or neuropathological biomarkers, clinical variables, polygenic risk scores, health systems/electronic health records) to ADRD risk or progression.
Applications from early-stage investigators are encouraged, provided they will be at their institution for the duration of the funding period. Mid-level and senior faculty are also encouraged to apply if they do not have substantial prior experience in ADRD research or if they have a novel approach to ADRD research. Postdoctoral fellows are eligible for Pilot Grants, but not Development Projects.
The RFA can be found here. Letters of Intent (LOIs) should be emailed to the WF ADRC Development Project/Pilot Grant Committee by November 7, 2025 (Sharon.Letchworth@AdvocateHealth.org). The Committee will send invitations to submit full applications by Friday, Nov 14, 2025. The full application deadline is January 23, 2026, 11:59 pm.
A virtual information session will be held on Wednesday, October 22, from 10:00-11:00am to review the RFA, answer questions about these funding mechanisms, and provide information on available resources. A recording of the meeting will be made available. Please contact Brian Davis (Brian.A.Davis@AdvocateHealth.org) for meeting details and recording information.
Please email Dr. Sharon Letchworth (Sharon.Letchworth@AdvocateHealth.org) if you have any questions.
Projects can encompass basic, translational, clinical, or implementation science research. The scientific focus of the WF ADRC is the link between metabolic and vascular diseases and the transitions from normal aging to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), AD, and AD-related dementias (ADRD). Applications that align with the scientific focus of the WF ADRC and that propose using WF ADRC resources are strongly encouraged, but proposals on other topics will be considered. Examples of thematically related studies include the relationship of metabolic or vascular indices (e.g., fluid, imaging or neuropathological biomarkers, clinical variables, polygenic risk scores, health systems/electronic health records) to ADRD risk or progression.
Applications from early-stage investigators are encouraged, provided they will be at their institution for the duration of the funding period. Mid-level and senior faculty are also encouraged to apply if they do not have substantial prior experience in ADRD research or if they have a novel approach to ADRD research. Postdoctoral fellows are eligible for Pilot Grants, but not Development Projects.
The RFA can be found here. Letters of Intent (LOIs) should be emailed to the WF ADRC Development Project/Pilot Grant Committee by November 7, 2025 (Sharon.Letchworth@AdvocateHealth.org). The Committee will send invitations to submit full applications by Friday, Nov 14, 2025. The full application deadline is January 23, 2026, 11:59 pm.
A virtual information session will be held on Wednesday, October 22, from 10:00-11:00am to review the RFA, answer questions about these funding mechanisms, and provide information on available resources. A recording of the meeting will be made available. Please contact Brian Davis (Brian.A.Davis@AdvocateHealth.org) for meeting details and recording information.
Please email Dr. Sharon Letchworth (Sharon.Letchworth@AdvocateHealth.org) if you have any questions.