REQUEST FOR LOI and PROPOSALS
APPLICATION RECEIPT DATE:
LOI Deadline: July 20, 2026
Full Application Deadline: November 5, 2026 (if invited to submit by the CAMI Core)
PURPOSE: The McKnight Research Foundation (MBRF) Cognitive Aging and Memory Intervention (CAMI) Core invites Inter-Institutional MBI applications for pilot studies with near-term translational impact and that support the development of interventions that aim to reduce age-related memory loss and cognitive decline. These studies may include methods aimed at understanding putative therapeutic targets, as well as the means by which potential interventions might exert their efficacy.
Human neuroscience studies without an intervention component may be proposed if they address experimental medicine questions that directly inform a subsequent intervention study. These questions may inform, for example, mechanisms of action of an intervention, target engagement, participant selection, or dosing. Preclinical studies with animal or cellular model systems will be considered when linked to a named human study through active collaboration or described coordination. Proposed preclinical studies must directly inform a subsequent intervention study.
The specific goal of these projects will be to facilitate and nurture new Inter-Institute collaborations that will establish nationally renowned and impactful research programs for improving cognition and quality of life in older adults.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: The MBRF Cognitive Aging and Memory Intervention Core was established to facilitate multi-site McKnight Brain Institute cognitive aging and memory interventions, as well as collect and disseminate information important for cross-site study collaborations. The Cognitive Aging and Memory Intervention Core will work with invited applicants to facilitate access to necessary resources for multi-site collaboration.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Please read carefully. Applications are solicited from investigators from the four MBI sites.
• Applications must include principal investigators from at least 2 different MBI sites.
• Applications must propose preliminary or pilot studies with promise for ameliorating cognitive decline associated with normative aging.
• LOI submitted by the Deadline of July 20, 2026 following the format below.
• Only applications that have not been submitted for review to another extramural funding mechanism and remain unfunded by any source will be considered.
• Awardees may be asked to serve as a reviewer for 1-2 cycles (2027 & 2028) after completion of their award cycle.
• Young investigators are encouraged to apply, and it is strongly suggested that they identify a more senior collaborator/mentor at a different MBI site and outline that mentorship in the proposal.
• Both pre-clinical/translational and clinical intervention development are eligible for consideration per the preamble above.
• A clear role for principal investigators at both MBI sites must be described in the LOI. This could include data collection at multiple sites, imaging or unique microscopy resources, neurophysiology equipment, data analysis resources, as well as tissue or blood samples.
• Proposals that will leverage resources provided by the McKnight Brain Aging Registry are encouraged.
MECHANISMS OF SUPPORT: Grants will be funded for up to a total of $75,000 per year for 2 years. Year 2 funding is contingent on submission of a progress report that includes specific plans and a timeline for the submission of a multi-investigator application for extramural funding.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
1) Pre-proposal Letter of Interest (LOI): A 2-page LOI, a cover sheet, and biosketches for multiPrincipal Investigators are required for consideration (DUE July 20, 2026). The LOI should use 11 pt arial font with 0.5 inch margins and contain the following information:
• Significance and Innovation
• Brief description of hypothesis for the proposed intervention
• List of specific aims • Description of the structure and need for multi-site collaboration
• NIH-biosketches for m-PIs (not included in page limit): http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm
The LOI must be sent by July 20, 2026 to John Williamson (john.williamson@ufl.edu) and Matthew Grilli (mdgrilli@arizona.edu) via email attachment. LOIs will be reviewed by the MBRF Cognitive Aging and Memory Intervention Core Committee and selected investigators will be notified by August 15, 2026 whether they are invited to submit a full application. 2)
Full Application: The full applications must be submitted by the deadline of Nov 5, 2026. The proposal should be sent to (john.williamson@ufl.edu) and Mathew Grilli (mdgrilli@arizona.edu) via email attachment in a single file in the PDF format.
Applications must include:
• Completed Coversheet
• A cover letter with the names and contact information and 5 potential qualified reviewers from outside the Evelyn F. McKnight Institutions.
• Face Page: Project Title, Senior/Key Personnel, Project/Performance Sites, Contact PI (and Contact PI information), along with the Project Summary (30 lines max).
• Research Plan – limited to 5 pages (not including References, 11 point Arial font, 0.5” margins) and should include: a. Specific Aims b. Research Strategy (Significance, Innovation, Approach) c. Description of Multi-site MBI Collaboration d. Timeline and Plans for extramural funding applications e. References
• Preliminary data are welcome but not required
• Multi-PI plan and structure of collaboration (1 page maximum)
• For new investigators (at rank of Assistant Professor with no prior R01 or equivalent funding), a 1-page mentoring plan and timeline is also required
• Detailed Budget (Budget limited to $75,000 per year in total costs) and Budget Justification. Indirect costs are not allowable
• Please no appendices
• NIH Biographical Sketches for Key Personnel: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm
APPLICATION REVIEW CRITERIA: Applications will be reviewed for scientific merit by 2-3 expert reviewers and evaluated by a scientific review panel consisting of CAMI-Core Committee Members and External Scientists. Applications will be rated based on 1) significance, 2) quality, innovation and feasibility, 3) collaboration across the MBI sites, and 4) likelihood of leading to a successful larger grant application. For new investigators, the mentoring plan will also be evaluated. The rankings and final recommendations provided by the Cognitive Aging and Memory Intervention Core will be reviewed by the MBRF. Awardees will be contacted by email.
The anticipated funding start date of successful applications is flexible and dependent on JIT approval to start the research. INQUIRIES: Inquiries regarding application and review procedures can be directed to the MBRF InterInstitutional Cognitive Aging and Memory Intervention Core members:
John Williamson, Chair john.williamson@ufl.edu (UF)
Ihtsham ul Haq ihaq@med.miami.edu (UMiami)
Matthew Grilli mdgrilli@arizona.edu (UA)
Keith McGregor kmmcgreg@uab.edu (UAB)