The 2025-26 application cycle is now open.
Request for Applications: Human Brain Models Research at Duke
Application due: February 1, 2026
Next award period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Award Overview:
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 a 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.
Applications now open:
If you do not receive an acknowledgment of your submission within three business days, please contact Cathleen Durgin at cathleen.durgin@duke.edu.
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.
