Resource Center for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Research in Asian and Pacific Americans (RCASIA)
2026 Call for Pilot Proposals: Application Instructions
Key dates:
Deadline for Application Submission: May 29, 2026, by 11:59 PM EST
Anticipated Award Date: October 2026 (pending NIH approval)
Required Application Components: All materials must be submitted as a single PDF with
numbered pages to RCMAR@ifh.rutgers.edu
1. Cover Page and Abstract
- Project title
- Names, faculty ranks, and affiliations of PI and team members
- PI contact information (phone number and email address)
- Lay abstract (250 words or less)
2. Research Proposal: This section has a 3-page limit excluding figures, tables and
references. Appendix material will not be accepted. Proposals should be written using 11-
point Arial font single spaced and no less than 0.5” margins. The proposal should describe
the research plan and should include:
- Specific aims
- Scientific significance and innovation
- Preliminary studies (if any)
- Research design and methods, including any analytic procedures
- Limitations
- Pathway to external funding
- Career development and mentorship plan
- Contribution to RCASIA and Asian American older adults
- Relevance to aging research
3. Biosketches:
- NIH-format biosketches for PI and Primary Mentor
(https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm)
4. Budget & Justification
- NIH Budget form
- Direct costs only; no indirects
- Research expenses only
5. Human Subjects Documentation
- NIH Enrollment tables (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/inclusion-enrollment-report.pdf)
- Single IRB approval required prior to funding
6. Letter of Support
- Required from primary mentor
Submission:
Email full application in a single PDF to RCMAR@ifh.rutgers.edu
Pilot Proposal Review Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by designated review committees. Reviewers will assign a score on the
overall application based on the following review criteria:
- Significance: The project addresses AD/ADRD-related Behavioral, Social, and Economic
Research involving Asian American older adults or comparative research between Asian
American older adults and other populations. The aims of the project advance scientific
knowledge, technical capability, and have near-term impact.
- Innovation: The application utilizes novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies,
instrumentation, or interventions.
- Investigators: The PI, Primary Mentor, collaborators, and other key personnel have the
necessary experience and expertise to accomplish the goals of the proposed research
project.
- Approach: The overall strategy, methodology, and analyses are well-reasoned and appropriate
to accomplish the specific aims of the project.
- Career Development: There is a strategic and reasonable plan for career development of the
junior investigator. Mentor(s) have been identified and the appropriate mechanisms are in place
to achieve career development goals.
- Potential for External Funding: There is a high likelihood that the proposed research project
will lead to NIH or other types of foundation funding.
Application Deadline: May 1, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST
The RCASIA pilot award application and/or any inquiries regarding this funding opportunity should
be submitted via email RCMAR@ifh.rutgers.ed
Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 by 11:59 PM EST
The RCASIA pilot award application and/or any inquiries regarding this funding opportunity should be submitted via email RCMAR@ifh.rutgers.edu
