Brain Health Center Proposal Planning Grants

Catalyzing brain health research

IHSI recognizes that insufficient time and resources are often the largest barriers in pursuing center- and program-level grant proposals. The Brain Health Center Proposal Planning Grants help alleviate these barriers by offering funding to buy out time for U. of I. researchers to pursue these large-scale opportunities. We are seeking to catalyze research efforts in the broad area of brain health, including research on cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioral, and motor domains, as well as neuroimaging and neurotechnology, and with determinants such as physical health, environment, safety, lifelong learning, social connection, and access to quality services, all of which shape how our brains develop, adapt, and respond to stress and adversity.

IHSI anticipates funding two awards of up to $75,000 each, in addition to in-kind research development and research administration support, starting at least 6 months prior to the target submission deadline.

Brain Health Center Proposal Planning Grants are supported by the Edward Heiken Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute Fund, a more than $4.5 million estate gift to IHSI by the late Edward (Rick) Heiken, an alum and long-time supporter of Illinois, toward brain health research and innovation.

Eligibility requirements

Proposed centers should include an ambitious research and innovation agenda to address a significant challenge related to brain health that requires multi-stakeholder and even multi-institution engagement, and it should leverage Illinois areas of existing strength in this area (e.g., the Neuroscience Program, Beckman Institute, Biomedical Imaging Center, Carle Illinois Advanced Imaging Center, College of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Bioengineering, etc.) as well as existing clinical partnerships (eg. the Mayo Clinic & Illinois Alliance, University of Illinois Chicago, Carle, OSF, WashU). Proposed activities are expected to include IHSI programs, staff, and/or affiliates to address a clearly identified Brain Health challenge.

• Research teams must identify the funding mechanism and targeted submission date that they wish to apply to in advance and include a link to the RFA in their application to IHSI.
• Proposals must demonstrate a clear scientific and technological path toward the establishment of an externally funded center or program in brain health.
• Proposals must involve interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers across the U. of I. campus.
• Faculty on the planning grant seeking release time from any teaching or service obligations must obtain approval from their department head or directors for the semester covered by the planning grant.
• While proposals may include external partners, those outside the U. of I. must secure their own funding to support their efforts during the planning grant award period.

IHSI partnership and support

IHSI will provide in-kind staff support to bring together new teams of researchers to develop research questions and viable partnerships, build research networks, assist with proposals, and synthesize data to develop the scientific infrastructure to launch a center in the future. IHSI will also help with clinical partner connections and collaboration.

• The center or program proposal will be submitted under the IHSI organization code with the assistance of the IHSI grants management team, and all pre- and post-award administration will be conducted by IHSI staff.
• The PI is required to be an IHSI affiliate at the time of application. The PI and other research members may request an invitation to become an affiliate with IHSI. 

Timeline

Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis until two awards are made. Early submission is encouraged.

The anticipated start date is at least 6 months prior to the target submission deadline for the center/program application. The successful team will have up to 12 months to prepare and submit a proposal for a future research center/program involving multiple U. of I. investigators, campus units, and likely external partners. 

Ready to begin?

Review the Request for Proposals and application instructions.

Read the full RFP