Ruth K. Broad Foundation

Human Brain Models Research Award at Duke Application

Applications are due by midnight, February 1, 2025.

Next award period: July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026


The Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation Human Brain Models Research Award provides seed funding for research that utilizes human brain models, including but not limited to organoids, assembloids, and human brain material, to expand basic knowledge of human neurons and glia, especially as related to neurodegeneration. The Foundation will provide a one-year award of $100,000 to support an innovative, pre-NIH project of a Duke University School of Medicine faculty member.


Applications will be evaluated on the quality of the science, and the potential of the research for advancing understanding of neurodegenerative disorders, especially Alzheimer’s disease. The research proposed should be a new direction of study for the applicant’s lab, and uniqueness of the research is required criterion for selection.


Applicants are encouraged to consider using the Bryan Brain Bank and Biorepository, part of the Duke/UNC Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC), if the material therein is relevant to their application.


The Foundation does not allow for indirect costs for this award or payment of faculty salaries.


To apply please submit:

  1. Three-page proposal stating the nature of the research project, a description of the work to be done, the potential impact of the knowledge gained, and its potential relationship to Alzheimer’s disease.
  2. NIH format biographical sketch for each principal investigator.
  3. Completed budget and information form. Budget may not include salary or fringe benefits of the Duke faculty award applicant.


Finalists may be interviewed by the Ruth K. Broad Foundation intramural grant review committee. The purpose of the interview is to assess that the research proposed is a new direction for the applicant’s lab.


Awardee Requirements:

The award may require research presentations at the Foundation’s annual Board of Directors meeting. A final written report is due by July 31, 2026.


The Foundation also requests recognition on any publication emanating from funded research.

 
 
 

i.e. Assistant Professor of Neurobiology

 
 
 
Phone
 
 

Please save your application as a single pdf in the following order:

  1. Proposal - Max three pages.
  2. Budget and Information Sheet
  3. NIH format biographical sketch for each principal investigator.


Please name your files using the following naming convention:


HumanBrainModels_FY25_LastName_FirstName

Drop your files here