Call for Proposals

call for proposals

Call for Proposals: Randomized Clinical Trials on Behavioral Interventions
in Aging

The Roybal Program is currently accepting applications to fund randomized clinical trials on behavioral interventions in aging. Each Roybal Center has a unique theme and individual call for proposals with eligibility criteria, application components, and budgets specific to each center.

The BWH Roybal Center for Therapeutic Optimization using Behavioral Science focuses on behavioral interventions aimed at improving evidence-based medication use (e.g. non-adherence, overuse, and underuse). This cycle, the BWH Center has a particular interest in including, but not limited to, technology, personalization and machine learning adaptation. However, applications are encouraged beyond these areas of interest. Examples of successfully funded BWH Roybal Center projects can be found here.

Eligibility
Eligible investigators include, but are not limited to:

Investigators from academic, non-profit or corporate institutions, including Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) and established investigators.
- Note: Investigators outside of the US are not eligible to apply based on the NIH notice NOT-OD-25-104.

Collaboration with individuals who have experience successfully conducting pragmatic clinical trials of behavioral interventions, including with Center affiliated faculty, is encouraged.

Number of Awards

2-3 awards will be issued during this funding cycle.

Award Amount

Total Direct Costs: $200,000

Indirect costs should be calculated using the federally-negotiated IDC rate of the applicant institution based on modified total direct costs (MTDC).

This award will be issued as a subcontract from BWH to one institution. No additional subcontracts will be allowed this cycle to maximize efficiency.

Duration

2 years, with an anticipated project start date of June 1, 2027, pending NIA approval.

Requirements for funding from the parent Roybal program

Applicants must apply the NIH Stage Model and articulate how their trial fits.

Consistent with the Science of Behavior Change (SoBC) framework, proposals should incorporate a mechanism-driven approach including identifying and measuring how the intervention is expected to influence the target health behavior, in addition to evaluating behavioral outcomes.

Proposals need to include a fully powered clinical trial for a behavioral, implementation, or clinical outcome.

Evaluation Criteria

The BWH Roybal Center has an independent review panel which will evaluate LOIs and full proposals, respectively. Evaluations will assess the following other criteria:

Scientific Merit: The novelty, quality, and rigor of the research.

Relevance to Aging Populations: The importance of the research in addressing aging-related issues.

Potential for Impact: The likelihood that the research will result in practical interventions that improve health outcomes for older adults.

Feasibility: The approach's practicality, scalability, and potential for translation into real-world applications.

Qualifications of the Research Team: Expertise of the team in aging, social science, and related fields.

Application Process

Letter of Intent (LOI) Application: 

Due Date: October 1, 2026

Prior to submitting LOI applications, a brief consultation with one of the BWH Executive Committee members is strongly encouraged. Please contact Heidi Zakoul at hzakoul@bwh.harvard.edu to schedule a consultation meeting.

Following completion of this form, you will receive a link to the LOI application where you will be asked for the following:

Applicant Information 
PI and Co-I NIH Biosketch 
Project Details 
Proposed Project Duration

Applicants will be notified of their LOI status on Friday, October 23, 2026. Selected LOI applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal application.

Full Proposal Application:

Due Date: December 7, 2026

If an LOI is accepted, applicants will schedule the following consultations:
1. BWH Proposal Consultation: Applicants invited to the full proposal stage will be required to meet with a member of the BWH Roybal Center Behavioral Intervention Development (BID) Core to discuss their study design and plans for the conduct of the proposed trials. Those applicants will be contacted directly by Heidi Zakoul via email (hzakoul@bwh.harvard.edu) regarding next steps for scheduling the consultation.
2. Statistical Consultation: Applicants may be eligible to receive a complimentary statistical consultation on study design through the Roybal Coordinating Center. If your LOI is selected for full proposal consideration and you are recommended for statistical consultation, you will be notified in your LOI acceptance email.

Applicants must submit a full proposal that includes the following: 
1. Applicant Information 
2. PI and Co-I NIH Biosketch
3. Project Details 
4. Detailed Budget and Budget Justification

Project Selection:

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their full proposal by February 15, 2027. All applicants will receive written feedback from the review committee.

Projects selected for funding will work closely with the BWH Roybal Center research team to prepare the materials required for NIH review and approval. Pending NIH approval, the anticipated project period is June 1, 2027, through May 31, 2029.

For additional information and questions relating to BWH's application process, please email Heidi Zakoul at hzakoul@bwh.harvard.edu.

For logistical support in completing the application forms, please contact the Northwell Roybal Coordinating Center at RoybalNIACenters@northwell.edu.