2024 ADDF Neuroimaging and CSF Biomarker Program - Spring Intake

Eligibility

Funding is open to researchers and clinicians worldwide at:

• Academic medical centers and universities or nonprofits. Industry partnerships are encouraged.
• Biotechnology companies. Existing companies and new startups are both eligible.
• NOTE: Funding is provided through mission-related investments that require return on investment based upon scientific and/or business milestones (see the ADDF Research Strategy for more information).

Summary

The aim of this RFP is to further develop and validate established biomarkers for which there is a clear clinical need in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This RFP prioritizes biomarkers with a defined context of use, a clear advantage over other relevant biomarkers, and a path to commercialization and/or clinical use.

Specifically, this RFP focuses on:

• Developing novel PET ligands for clinical trials
• Supporting novel CSF biomarkers
• Validating innovative MRI approaches in larger cohorts
• Developing novel measures of functional activity such as EEG

Peripheral biofluids and digital/ocular approaches are supported through the Diagnostics Accelerator RFP.

Novel biomarkers of neuroinflammation, synaptic integrity, autophagy and TDP-43 are high priority. Other target areas of interest include:

• Neuronal loss
• Vascular injury and blood-brain barrier integrity
• Mitochondria and metabolic function
• Protein misfolding
• Oxidative stress
• White matter changes
• Lewy body dementia
• Other novel targets supported by compelling biological rationale and connection to disease

The ADDF has limited interest in CSF measures of amyloid and tau.

Application Submission

There is a two-stage process consisting of a Pre-Proposal (LOI) and Full Proposal, which is by invitation only. Both stages of this competition will be part of the Research Management System (RMS), and approvals will be obtained electronically.

Overhead

Only direct costs are allowed. Please review the ADDF Funding Policies.

Pre-application deadlines

RSO internal deadline

Pre-application program deadline

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via RMS in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

Additional Resources

Application Instructions

Funding Policies

Application Portal