Innovation in Aging Award

The Innovation in Aging Award from Mayo Clinic's Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCaTS) and the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging (RAKCA) offers funds to support early-stage investigators pursuing novel aging research that has the potential to impact geriatric patient care.

The Innovation in Aging Award is designed for early-stage investigators needing funds to generate preliminary data for extramural funding.

The scope of projects supported by this award mechanism are translational initiatives that use model systems and human biospecimens to inform the potential impact of biological mechanisms and new therapies on human health. Applications may include experienced investigators as collaborators.

Eligibility

The Innovation in Aging Award is focused on early-stage investigators. Research associates, associate consultants, senior associate consultants and consultants from all Mayo Clinic sites who have not yet obtained National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 or similar funding are eligible for this award. Individuals in the process of transitioning from mentored career development awards to independent awards are encouraged to apply.

Proposed projects should broadly align with one of the Kogod Center on Aging research programs, which focus on:

  • Cardiovascular aging.
  • Immunological aspects of aging.
  • Metabolism and aging.
  • Musculoskeletal aging.
  • Neurological aspects of aging.

Proposed projects also should align with our translational research theme.

Funding

CCaTS and the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging (RAKCA) anticipate funding up to four awards from this request for applications. Awards provide up to $50,000 in direct costs for study-related expense, not including indirect costs, for one year. Extensions are considered only under extenuating circumstances.

Expenses that are not covered by funding include capital equipment and computers or laptops.

Recipients of grants or awards supported by CCaTS and RAKCA may be asked to review applications for other CCaTS and RAKCA grants.

Application information

Timeline

Full grant applications are due by 5 p.m. Central time on March 12, 2024. They must be submitted through the START Application Tool. Log in to the Mayo Clinic network to access.

Proposed projects should broadly align with one of the Kogod Center on Aging research programs.

The anticipated award date is July 1, 2024.

Application requirements

Applicants are required to include the following as a PDF attachment with their full applications:

A formal Mayo Integrated Research Information System (MIRIS) budget prepared by the Office of Sponsored Projects Administration (OSPA) is not required at the time of application. If the project is selected for funding, the awardee will work with Sue J. Rubow and OSPA to create a MIRIS funding proposal and budget.

Review criteria

CCaTS and and RAKCA apply the following criteria when reviewing applications for the Innovation on Aging Award:

  • Scientific merit, with a strong emphasis on impact and innovation in aging.
  • Likelihood of future extramural funding.
  • Feasibility within the time and budget proposed.
  • Qualifications of the investigators.
  • Evidence of plans for multidisciplinary collaboration or inclusion of translational elements.

Prior approval for research involving human participants

Awardees with projects involving human participants are required to submit information to the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) to obtain prior approval before conducting any activities related to human participants. Documentation includes a human subject plan. CCaTS staff members guide awardees through the process and provide assistance.

Reporting

Annual progress reports are required for up to two years beyond the end date of the award.

Publications

The NIH Public Access Policy requires that all publications resulting from NIH funding be uploaded to PubMed Central. Recipients of CCaTS awards, including intramurally funded awards, must follow this policy. The Mayo Clinic Public Access Policy intranet site guides awardees through the process of uploading publications. Log in to the Mayo Clinic network to access.

Please remember to cite the Mayo Clinic CCaTS as well as the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging in your publication.

Contact

For scientific questions, email Robert J. Pignolo, M.D., Ph.D.

For questions about the request for applications or the START Application Tool, email Sue J. Rubow or Tobias C. Wolf.