The Life Course Center (LCC), a National Institute on Aging (NIA)-funded Center on the Demography and Economics of Aging, invites investigators to pursue pilot funding (up to $35,000 in direct expenses) to support Highly Innovative and/or Time Sensitive (HITS) research projects for the period from September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. HITS pilot funds are intended to provide preliminary data and analyses to support the submission of an NIA proposal for external funding.
We seek innovative HITS pitches addressing aging contexts, trends, dynamics, and disparities in health that align with LCC research themes and NIA’s emphasis on life course processes to improve the health and well-being of older adults. It is imperative that HITS pitches meet the stated pilot requirements (see next). The first deadline for HITS pitches is July 1; pitches will be recruited three times annually until funds are exhausted. HITS pitches may also be considered outside of the stated deadlines if the request is urgent.
HITS Pilot Requirements
- Must be within the scope of the LCC research themes
AND do one of the following:
- Test or develop a new method or technique not already widely used in aging research (e.g., an algorithm for identifying AD/ADRD in administrative data), or
- Propose timely and/or innovative primary data collection.
Secondary data analysis is not allowed except in cases where a new method or technique is being developed.
Eligibility
- University of Minnesota based and LCC-affiliated postdocs, faculty, and research scientists who are eligible for PI status
Scholars considering a HITS pilot submission are strongly encouraged to reach out to Sarah Flood ([email protected]) or Janette Dill ([email protected]) before applying to ensure that their pitch fits within LCC priorities and program requirements.
Key Dates
- HITS pitches are due July 1, November 1, and March 1
- The earliest possible start date for funded proposals will be September 1, 2026. Any pilot selected for funding must be approved by NIA.
Pilot Pitch Process
Investigators submit a one-page pilot pitch via email at [email protected]. It should include the significance, the innovation and/or time-sensitive nature of the proposed project (see HITS Pilot Requirements above), and alignment with LCC research themes. Full proposals will be by invitation only.
For questions about the pilot pitch application process, please email [email protected].