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call for proposals

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

The Roybal Program is currently accepting applications to fund fully powered, randomized clinical trials on behavioral interventions in aging. Applicants must apply the NIH Stage Model as a conceptual framework and clearly articulate a plan for how their trial will progress through the NIH Stage Model. Each Roybal Center has a unique theme and individual call for proposals with eligibility criteria and budgets specific to each center.

Applicants may propose projects that align with any of the following key themes addressed by the Roybal Centers. The BWH Roybal Center for Therapeutic Optimization using Behavioral Science focuses on behavioral interventions aimed at improving evidence-based medication use with a particular interest in personalization and adaptation.

Please refer to this guidance in identifying which Roybal Center your proposal is best aligned with and follow the application submission instructions specific to that Center. 
 
Eligibility
Eligible investigators include, but are not limited to:

  • Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs) and established investigators from academic, non-profit or corporate institutions

  • Applicants who have not previously received funding through the BWH Roybal Center for Therapeutic Optimization Using Behavioral Science  

  • Collaboration with individuals who have experience successfully conducting pragmatic clinical trials of behavioral interventions, including with Center affiliated faculty, is strongly recommended for all applications.

  • Note: Investigators outside of the US are not eligible to apply based on the NIH notice NOT-OD-25-104

 

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)

 

Duration  

  • 1-2 years, with an anticipated project start date of June 1, 2026, pending NIA approval.  

 
Evaluation criteria

The BWH Roybal Center has an independent review panel which will evaluate LOIs and full proposals, respectively. Evaluations of full proposals will include the following 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. 

 

Examples of successfully funded BWH Roybal projects can be found here.
 
Application Process

  1. Letter of Intent (LOI) Application: 

    • Due Date: October 15, 2025 

    • Prior to submitting LOI applications, a consultation with BWH is strongly encouraged. Please contact Kaitlin Hanken at khanken@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: 

      1. Applicant Information 

      2. PI NIH Biosketch 

      3. Project Details 

      4. Proposed Project Duration 

​

  1. Full Proposal Application  

    • Due Date: January 5, 2026 

    • If an LOI is accepted, applicants will schedule the following consultations:

      • 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 Kaitlin Hanken via email (khanken@bwh.harvard.edu) regarding next steps for scheduling the consultation. 

      • Statistical Consultation: Applicants may elect to also receive a complimentary statistical consultation on study design through the Roybal Coordinating Center. If interested in statistical consultation, please contact RoybalNIACenters@northwell.edu.

    • 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 

 

For additional information and questions relating to BWH's application process, please email Kaitlin Hanken at khanken@bwh.harvard.edu. For logistical support in completing the application forms, please contact the Northwell Roybal Coordinating Center at RoybalNIACenters@northwell.edu.

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