Mc Knight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss
Information page for the McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards, providing research funding for investigators studying cognitive aging and age-related memory loss.
Full-time independent investigators at the rank of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (promoted no earlier than October 1, 2023); Must have received R01 funding or equivalent (e.g., DP1, DP2, DP5, R37, R56, RF1, RL1, U01, R35, VA Merit Award, or NSF funding of at least $200,000/year); Tenure-track faculty or equivalent in an academic or non-profit institution; Must be employed at an academic or non-profit research institution in the United States; PhD candidates: no more than 7 years from completion of formal post-doctoral research training; MD or combined degree candidates: no more than 12 years from the date finished residency
Requirements
Evidence of long-term institutional support (independent laboratory space, start-up research funds, personnel); Proven track record of research accomplishments in cognitive aging; Institutional commitment form completed by Dean or CEO; Research must focus on cognitive aging and age-related memory loss; research primarily focused on neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s) is not supported
Application materials
Letter of Intent (LOI); Institutional commitment form
How to apply
Submit Letter of Intent (LOI) via the online portal; Review AFAR submission instructions and FAQs; Contact grants@afar.org for eligibility questions
Important dates
Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline: April 15, 2026; Results of LOI review: mid-June, 2026; Full Application deadline: mid-August, 2026; Anticipated Award Announcement: late September, 2026; Award Start Date: October 1, 2026
