The Elm

The University of Maryland Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (UM-OAIC) has two funding opportunities available:

• Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core (PESC) will fund two-year pilot projects
• Research Education Core (REC) will fund early career scholars

Funding will provide support for research proposals of high relevance to the center’s mission of enablement, which addresses the processes by which function is lost, and the multiple factors that affect the onset and progression of disability in older adults. Studies may examine the mechanisms underlying functional impairments associated with stroke, hip fracture, osteoarthritis, and other common chronic diseases or injuries in older adults. Studies proposed in human subjects, studies that use preclinical methods, and studies using existing databases will be considered for funding.

Award Types:

1.   Pilot Awards: The center will support up to three pilot awards of no more than $30,000 in direct costs for the first year of work only. These projects are renewable for a second year pending approval of a progress report by UM-OAIC leaders. No additional funds will be provided during the second year.
Expectations: Results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal and a proposal for external funding will be submitted within 12 months following successful completion of the pilot study.

2.   REC Scholar Awards: The UM-OAIC will support two scholar awards of up to $50,000 (salary plus fringe) for a period of up to two years contingent on adequate progress. The center provides research training and education to promote the career development of early career faculty toward independence as investigators in aging-related research.
Expectations: REC Scholars will submit a career development grant application as part of their scholar activities.

Letter of Intent (LOI) applications are due Oct. 30, 2026.

View the PDF for more information about the LOI application process.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with one of the core leaders to ensure eligibility and fit with the UM-OAIC mission prior to submission.

Request for Applications Information Workshop

Join to learn more about the LOI and full application process for pilot and REC Scholar funding. 

Thursday, Oct. 8, at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom link

Meeting ID: 951 0775 8814

Passcode: 104773

Questions may be directed to asullens@som.umaryland.edu.