Research Scientist Enrichment Program

Applications Call for 2026-2027 AD-RCMAR Research Scientist Enrichment Program

The Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD), a National Institute on Aging funded Alzheimer’s Disease-related Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (AD-RCMAR), announces the 2026 research career enrichment program involving seminar participation and mentoring in AD-relevant research. We invite applications from those interested in enhancing their knowledge of contextual factors in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Funds are available for investigator-initiated research projects that support the development of independent NIH-funded projects. Proposals with high likelihood of advancing research on ADRD disparities, especially among Middle Eastern/Arab Americans and Latinos, are particularly encouraged.

Three proposals will be selected to receive funds of up to $30,000 for one year with the grant period beginning on July 1, 2026. It would be greatly appreciated if you could please distribute this announcement within your department and/or program.

Please see below for full details. Completed applications and budget (see Detailed Budget) should be emailed as a single pdf attachment to [email protected] by 11:59pm ET on January 20, 2026. If you have questions, please email [email protected].

Accepting AD-RCMAR Scientist Enrichment Program Applications FY2026 – 2027

The Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease (MCCFAD), a National Institute on Aging funded Alzheimer’s disease-related Resource Center for Minority Aging Research (AD-RCMAR), announces a research career enrichment program involving seminar participation and mentoring in AD-relevant research. One of the Center’s major goals is to enhance the aging research workforce by identifying and mentoring scientists with an interest in health disparities who can advance research on AD and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD). We invite applications from those interested in enhancing their knowledge of contextual factors in AD/ADRD. Funds are available for investigator-initiated research projects that support the development of independent NIH-funded projects. Proposals with high likelihood of advancing research on AD/ADRD disparities, especially among Middle Eastern and North African/Arab Americans and Hispanic/Latinos, are particularly encouraged.

Eligibility and Requirements

Investigators must demonstrate a sustained interest in advancing scientific research on health disparities.
Investigators must be in a postdoctoral or faculty (including non-tenure track) position.
Investigators must be either:
- - - - early-career stage, defined as pre-tenure and no previous R01 (or equivalent) level funding;
      - stage and proposing mid-careera project that reflects a clear transition into AD/ADRD or health disparities research.
Proposals should focus on one of MCCFAD’s core areas: epidemiology, tailored care, and/or health economics.
Funded investigators are expected to commit to participating in all career enrichment activities, including the formation of an integrative mentorship team, monthly seminars, regular progress reports, Gerontological Society of America conference participation, and the Summer Data Immersion Program at the University of Michigan.
Expected program deliverables at the end of the program year (June 2027) include:
Project completion within one year
One peer-reviewed publication
A specific aims page draft appropriate for a current NIH grant opportunity Resources Available
Access to mentoring from experts in the fields of AD/ADRD epidemiology, tailored care, health economics, and/or health disparities
Group and one-on-one advising in theory, research design, methods and analysis related to pilot project activities
Funding for up to $30,000 in direct costs for a relevant research proposal, pending NIA approval. Funds cannot be used to support senior faculty salaries or to purchase equipment. [Studies involving the use of human or animal subjects must be approved by the appropriate review board at your institution prior to the release of funds] 4. Guidance in the development of independent NIH-funded projects
Advanced training in AD/ADRD secondary data utilization through the Summer Data Immersion program

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare (in Arial 11-point font or larger, no less than .5-inch margins):

NIH biosketch (up to 5 pages)
Applicant disclosure statement indicating any prior funding with the RCMAR or AD-RCMAR program. For applicants with a history of prior RCMAR or AD-RCMAR pilot funding, the name of the RCMAR or AD-RCMAR and members of the RCMAR or AD-RCMAR mentorship team must be provided along with the project dates and a justification for why additional pilot funding support is needed
2-page Project Summary/Abstract that provides a succinct and accurate description of the proposed work and includes the following elements:

1. 1. 1. the project’s broad, long-term objectives
    2. specific aims
    3. description of the research design and methods

A 1-page Project Narrative that addresses the following questions:

1. 1. 1. How will the pilot project contribute to the MCCFAD goal of advancing social, behavioral, psychological, and/or economic research on AD/ADRD, as well as the applicant’s research career objectives?
    2. How will the findings from the pilot study contribute to the submission of an NIA research grant application to a target FOA?

Cited Literature
Detailed Budget
IDC Checklist
Budget Justification
Provide the name and contact information of one local mentor

Applicants are encouraged to visit the MCCFAD Enrichment Program FAQs. If you have any further questions please email [email protected]. Completed applications should be emailed as a single pdf attachment to [email protected] by January 20, 2026. Applicants will be notified by March 2, 2026. Funding is expected to begin July 1, 2026.

Enrichment Program FAQs