Research Grant Application Process and Timeline

Applying for a research grant

Below is a summary of steps for applying for a research grant. Please refer to our complete 2012 Program Announcement for more information, including information on areas of focus and background information.

Step 1: Submit letter of intent and application

The first step in applying to the Alzheimer's Association for any research grant is to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the proposalCENTRAL online application system. First-time users must register and fill out a professional profile in the system to begin the application process. You must also register to become a reviewer (if you have not done so already) to submit your LOI. It is required that you review at least one grant proposal within your area of expertise, outside of the grant competition to which you are applying.

The LOI and completed application must be submitted by a single principal investigator (PI). A PI cannot submit an LOI that has been approved or rejected during a previous grant cycle. All LOIs must be approved or rejected in the current grant cycle. Hard copies of the LOI will not be accepted. LOIs will not be accepted after the deadline date — no exceptions.

Step 2: Peer review

Once research proposals are submitted, the Alzheimer's Association uses a network of Alzheimer's scientists worldwide who voluntarily serve as peer reviewers. For each proposal, the Association assembles a specialized panel of three to four scientific and technical Alzheimer's experts to evaluate the project.

Reviewers use an online system for their reviews to discuss their assessment of a particular proposal and read the commentary of peers evaluating the same project.

Step 3: Second stage MSAC review

The peer review process results in a ranking of proposed research that is presented to the Alzheimer's Association Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MSAC), a group of nationally and internationally recognized experts with long and distinguished careers in Alzheimer's disease. MSAC uses the peer review commentary and scoring to guide it in ensuring fairness and equity in the initial review process and to make funding recommendations to the Association.

This two-stage review process is central to the Alzheimer's Association award decisions and is designed to ensure both scientific rigor and fairness to all submitted applications. If you are interested in being considered as a reviewer for the Alzheimer's Association International Research Grant Program, please submit your CV to grantsapp@alz.org.

Step 4: Awards announced

Applicants are notified of grant awards in July.

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2012 grant program key dates

For questions about reporting requirements or these forms, please contact Mary Grilli, Alzheimer's Association post-award grant specialist, at mary.grilli@alz.org.

For more information: Contact grantsapp@alz.org or call 312.335.5747.

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