IMPORTANT NOTICE
May 26, 2015
The DKR Fund announces the reopening of the 2015 grant application period from this
date through June 30, 2015.
Although the fund received many important and meritorious proposals, it became
apparent as we opened the review process that some unintended confusion arose in the
interpretation of qualification related to the time period lapse post terminal degree.
In the interest of inclusion, transparency and fairness, the fund will accept proposals
from those applicants who are twelve (12) years post terminal degree or six (6) years
from completion of last training such as fellowships or residencies.
2015 Request for Funding Proposal
The Darrell K Royal Fund for Alzheimer's Research (DKR Fund) represents a commitment to
excellence in Research and Care for Texans in an attempt to cure Alzheimer's Disease (AD) in
our lifetime, expand research to target Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and to expand the
paradigms of assess and care for Texans enabling exposure to preventive treatment strategies
aimed at combatting the epidemic of AD and related disorders.
The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease announces its 2nd annual Request
ForProposal (RFP). This RFP is designed to support early-to-mid career Texas-based scientists.
This RFP seeks to support collaborative research endeavors across the state of Texas as well as
throughout the United States and to foster a translational based research structure.
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Eligibility
The principal investigator (PI) must be at the Assistant or Associate Professor level within a
Texas-based institution and within twelve (12) years of completion of their terminal degree (e.g.
Ph.D. or M.D. or six (6) years from completion of last training such as fellowships or
residencies). PIs can possess degrees in any field as long as the topic is relevant to
neurodegeneration and must be able to demonstrate a track record of productivity appropriate for
their designated research goals. Inter-institutional collaborations are encouraged, which may
include collaborators outside of Texas.
Funding Priorities
The DKR Fund is interested in novel, innovative and cutting edge approaches to Alzheimer’s
disease and related disorders. The DKR Fund 2015 grant cycle is particularly interested in but
not limited to (1) prevention of cognitive impairment and (2) dementia resulting from traumatic
brain injury. Studies that pilot novel mechanisms and novel therapeutic interventions are
particularly encouraged. DKR Fund also has an interest in supporting work in MCI, cognitive
impairment related to traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as work with Veterans and
underserved minority populations. DKR Fund also has interest in supporting work in MCI,
cognitive impairment related to traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as work with Veterans and
underserved minority populations.
Application Submission Guidelines
DKR fund will provide support for up to three years of research, with potential for future
follow-up funding to be considered. Direct costs are capped at $50,000 per year with indirect
funds capped at 10% (in addition to the direct costs). DKR Fund reserves the right to reallocate
funds as deemed appropriate based on the quantity and quality of the applicant pool. Funds can
be utilized to support research staff, purchase necessary small equipment and supplies, and other
direct-research relevant expenditures. Funds can be utilized for travel to present findings at an
appropriate scientific meeting (capped at $3,000 per year). Funds cannot be utilized to support
faculty salaries. Awardees will be expected to present on their research topic and findings during
the funding period for the DKR award. DKR Fund is prepared to offer up to 5 multi year awards
of $150,000 each to worthy projects.
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Application Guidelines
Applications are expected to use the following guidelines. Use 11 point font or larger text (Arial,
Helvetica, or Times New Roman) with no more than 15 characters and six lines per inch. Use
standard paper size (8.5 x 11) and at least 0.5 inch margins (top, bottom, left and right) for all
pages. Applications are encouraged to follow an NIH R03 format style and should be no more
than 10 pages inclusive of the following areas: Specific Aims, Research Strategy, Environment
and Available Resources, Literature Cited, human or animal protections (if applicable), and data
management/sharing plans (other sections can be added but must fit within the 10pg limit).
NIH-style biosketchs are required (4 page limit) for all PIs and collaborating investigators.
Files should be submitted in PDF format with clearly identifiable names that include the PI’s last
name.
Application Deadline
June 30, 2015 with anticipated award announcement October 20, 2015 and funding to begin
November 1, 2015. If proposal made in the name of more than one applicant, DKR Fund will
provide travel for one individual to represent proposal at the award ceremony.
Submit completed application and separate budget to:
DKR Fund
Mrs. Edith Royal & Grants Committee
[email protected]
subject line to read: Grant app (LAST NAME of APPLICANT)
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