Background
Aging often leads to wisdom and sophistication, but all too often it brings with it diseases, disability, and a loss of the ability to work and to enjoy the fruits of one's labor. Research on new therapeutics and new approaches to disease prevention have dramatically increased the number of people living into their 70's, 80's and beyond, but have to date revealed very little about the ways in which the aging process per se is regulated, or about how aging contributes to the risk of so many forms of disease and disability. In addition, limited funding for research in biological gerontology has discouraged researchers, particularly those seeking tenure in traditional academic disciplines, from pursuing problems on the biology of aging and its impact on late life health.

The scientific community has urged the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), to address these issues and develop a new program for investigators who have already established a research program as independent faculty scientists. While these scientists may have received federal support for traditional discipline-specific research projects, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government agencies traditionally do not provide support to highly promising junior scientists to take on higher-risk projects in aging research, even if these projects may eventually lead to impressive advances in preventive medicine or point to new treatment approaches. To meet this need, in partnership with Pfizer Inc, AFAR has now created the Pfizer/AFAR Innovations in Aging Research Awards.

Scope of the Program
The Pfizer/AFAR Innovations in Aging Research Awards provide support for highly promising junior faculty scientists who wish to start highly innovative projects focused on the basic biology of aging and its relationship to human disease. The research proposal must exploit insights from basic biogerontology to address new questions related to one or more major diseases that afflict the elderly, including cardiovascular illnesses, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. The work may involve studies of in vitro cultures, animal models, or human clinical samples, depending on the specific hypotheses to be tested. The degree to which the proposal emphasizes pathophysiology of disease or emphasizes aging research per se will vary, depending on the researcher's own goals and interests, but each research plan must relate in a clear way both to aging and to its late-life consequences for health. Translational research projects, in which findings and ideas from animal and cell culture models are evaluated for efficacy in human clinical settings, are particularly encouraged.

It is anticipated that six awards will be made in July 2005. Each award will include $150,000 total costs in the first year, plus an additional $50,000 in second year costs. No more than 10% of these funds may be used for institutional overhead (indirect) costs.

• The applicant must hold an MD, DO, DVM, and/or PhD degree.
• The applicant must have a junior faculty appointment, Instructor, Assistant Professor or their equivalents, and must demonstrate an established independent research program by providing a statement which documents one or more of the following: laboratory space for their use not shared with others, provision of start-up and equipment funds, publication of at least two first author papers, and/or evidence that the research program is distinct from that of the former mentor. Associate Professors within three years of receiving their appointment (at the time of application) are also eligible. Those junior faculty that have already received tenure are not eligible.
• The applicant must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• The proposed research must be conducted at any type of not-for-profit setting in the United States. Applicants who are employees in the NIH Intramural program are not eligible.

All applications and supporting materials must be received by 5 pm on December 15, 2004. Candidates who submit an application for the AFAR Research Grant program cannot also submit an application for the Pfizer/AFAR Innovations in Aging Research program.

Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee on the basis of:

• Merit and feasibility of the proposed research and its relevance to both aging and disease
• Qualifications of the applicant
• Level of innovation and potential to substantially advance the field of aging research
• Excellence of the research environment
• Likelihood that the project will advance the applicant's career in the field

Applicants not receiving awards may have an opportunity to discuss furthering their research efforts in conjunction with Pfizer should the company express interest in a particular research project.

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

All candidates must submit applications endorsed by their institution. The deadline for receipt of all applications and supporting materials is December 15, 2004 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Please refer to the Pfizer/AFAR instruction sheet and application for complete application procedures. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

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.

Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-known consumer brands. It's innovative, value-added products improve the quality of life of people around the world and help them enjoy longer, healthier, and more productive lives. The company has three business segments: health care, animal health and consumer health care. Pfizer products are available in more than 150 countries.

Pfizer also supports the careers of promising faculty scientists in a wide range of disciplines through competitive Medical & Academic Partnerships grants. Please visit www.promisingminds.com to learn more about these awards.

Listing of all AFAR Award Recipients.

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