Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) program

Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) program is sponsored by Alzheimer's Association. This program supports early-career investigators based in Kentucky who are working on Alzheimer's and all other dementias.

Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's / Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) Program Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) Program Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) Program The Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) program supports early-career investigators based in Kentucky who are working on Alzheimer's and all other dementias.

This program is open only to investigators based at an eligible Kentucky organization. View program objectives, eligibility, submission process and more. Open only to investigators based in Kentucky.

Apply for the SPARK research grant by submitting your LOI through the ProposalCentral website. Application review process Research questions may address the full spectrum of scientific discovery that advances Alzheimer's and dementia research and must be strongly relevant to the needs of people living in Kentucky.

This includes, but is not limited to: Basic and translational science, spanning areas such as molecular underpinnings of disease, neuropathology, biomarker discovery, and drug discovery and development. Clinical and drug development research, such as studies examining the real-world effects of disease-modifying therapies on disease progression in Kentucky populations.

Health disparities and rural health research addressing the needs of Kentucky's Appalachian communities, where access to specialists and clinical trials is limited. Implementation science — research on how to effectively deliver and scale evidence-based dementia interventions in real-world Kentucky settings.

Population and public health research using Kentucky-specific data to inform prevention, risk-reduction, or care-delivery strategies tailored to the Commonwealth. Open only to investigators based at an eligible Kentucky organization (see below). Applicants must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.

D. , M. D.

, D. O. , or equivalent) and have received it — or completed post-residency training — no more than 10 years before the LOI deadline.

State- and federal-government-appropriated laboratories and for-profit organizations may not serve as the applicant institution. Full eligibility criteria are detailed in the RFA . Letter of Intent due: Dec.

1, 2026 – 5 p. m. ET (Dec.

3 for ISTAART members) Full application due: Feb. 2, 2027 – 5 p. m.

ET (Feb. 4 for ISTAART members) Award notifications: by April 30, 2027 This program is funded through the Commonwealth of Kentucky's 2026–2028 HB 900 appropriation. The Alzheimer's Association will offer up to five awards of up to $160,000 in total direct and indirect costs over two years, with indirect costs capped at 15% of direct costs, including subcontract indirect costs.

Funds are distributed through the applicant's institution. Letters of intent are required and undergo blinded review; no personally identifiable information may appear in the LOI. More information can be found in the RFA and on ProposalCentral .

Full applications must be submitted through ProposalCentral . All applicants and institutions are strongly encouraged to review the Conditions of Award provided at the time of full application to confirm they are able to accept if awarded. Application review process Please see the How to Apply for a Research Grant page for more information about the Alzheimer’s Association application review process.

For more information on eligibility, application requirements, review criteria, and more, please see the RFA . Alzheimer's Association grants are generally open to scientists and researchers across the globe; however, as a U.S.-based charity, the Alzheimer's Association is subject to, and complies with, U.S. law.

As a result, the Alzheimer's Association cannot award, and will not award, grants in violation of applicable U.S. statutes and regulations.

This means, among other things, that the Alzheimer's Association cannot, and will not, fund any individual or entity (i) that is subject to U.S. comprehensive or targeted sanctions or if awarding funding would result in a violation of such sanctions, (ii) that is on the U.S. List of Specially Designated Nationals or entities owned or controlled by such persons, or (iii) when doing so is otherwise prohibited by U.S. laws related to combating terrorism.

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The Alzheimer's Association strictly prohibits harassment and discrimination based on race; creed; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; national origin; ancestry; age; Veteran status; citizenship status; marital status; physical or mental disabilities; pregnancy, gender identity or expression (including transgender status); genetic information; and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Please contact grantsapp@alz. org with any questions. Keep Up With Alzheimer's News and Events Yes, I would like to receive email from the Alzheimer's Association.

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