The 2008 Glenn/AFAR Breakthroughs in Gerontology Awards

The Program
Sponsored by The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research, in collaboration with the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), the "Breakthroughs in Gerontology" (BIG) initiative provides timely support to a small number of pilot research programs that may be of relatively high risk but which offer significant promise of yielding transforming discoveries in the fundamental biology of aging. The hope is that one or more of the funded research projects will lead to major new insights into the molecular factors that coordinate aging in multiple cells and tissues, and the ways in which the aging process is differentially timed in long-lived species.

Projects that focus on genetic controls of aging and longevity, on delay of aging by pharmacological agents or dietary means, or which elucidate the mechanisms by which alterations in hormones, anti-oxidant defenses, or repair processes promote longevity are all well within the intended scope of this competition. Projects that focus instead on specific diseases or on assessment of health care strategies will receive lower priority, unless the research plan makes clear and direct connections to fundamental issues in the biology of aging. Studies of invertebrates, mice, human clinical materials or cell lines are all potentially eligible for funding. Although preliminary data are always helpful for evaluating the feasibility of the experiments proposed, the emphasis in review will be on creativity and the likelihood that the findings will lead to improved understanding in aging research that merits follow-up studies.

Recipients of this award are expected to attend the AFAR Grantee Conference. The purpose of the meeting is to promote scientific and personal exchanges among recent AFAR grantees and experts in aging research.

Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must at the time they submit their proposal be full-time faculty members at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher. A strong record of independent publication beyond the postdoctoral level is a requirement. Applications from individuals not previously engaged in aging research are particularly encouraged, as long as the research proposals show high promise for leading to important new discoveries in biological gerontology.

Applicants who are employees in the NIH Intramural program are not eligible. The proposed research must be conducted at any type of not-for-profit setting in the United States. Former AFAR Research Grant awardees may apply. If you are applying for a 2008 AFAR Research Grant, you may not also apply for the 2008 Glenn/AFAR BIG Award.

Questions about eligibility and suitability of research project can be addressed to grants@afar.org.

Applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:

• Qualifications of the applicant
• Quality and promise of the proposed research
• Excellence of the research environment

Application Procedures

The deadline of receipt of applications and all supporting materials is December 17, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Please refer to the Glenn/AFAR BIG instruction sheet and application for complete application procedures. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. All candidates must submit applications endorsed by their institution. Funding will begin July 1, 2008.

One two-year award will be made in 2008, at the level of $200,000, of which up to 8% may be used for institutional overhead. The amount and the duration of the award may be modified if during the review process or at the funding stage it is evident that such modifications would better serve the objectives of the program.

Those applicants who are selected for the second level of review will be contacted by e-mail by mid-April. AFAR can provide critiques only for those applications that are reviewed, at the second stage, by their Review Committee.

If you are using animals in your research, please review Principles of Animal Use for Gerontological Research.

Reporting Requirements
Investigators will be required to submit a brief narrative report on the progress of their research five months after the start date of the award. Final narrative and financial reports are required within three months following the end date of the award.

The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research
The purpose of the foundation, founded in 1965 by Paul F. Glenn, is to extend the healthy productive years of life through research on the mechanisms of biological aging. The Glenn Foundation does not solicit or accept charitable contributions.

Complete listing of all AFAR Selection Committees.

Listing of all AFAR Award Recipients.

Back to the List of Grants and Applications