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The Sealy Center on Aging at UTMB: Leading Aging Research Since 1995

The Sealy Center on Aging focuses on improving the health and well-being of older adults through interdisciplinary research, education, and community service by integrating the resources and activities relevant to aging at UTMB. The Center also implements our research findings in hospitals and clinics, bringing excellence and visibility to our health care system, and improving the health of older adults.

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Sealy Center on Aging (SCOA)
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, TX 77555-0177
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Phone: (409) 747-0008
Email: aging.research@utmb.edu

News & Events



Call for Pepper Pilots - LOI Due March 18, 2024

Feb 15, 2024, 14:21 PM by SCOA

The NIH-funded UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (P30 AG024832) is inviting UTMB investigators to submit pilot research proposals focusing on translational aging research, particularly on physical function and recovery from illness in older adults. Proposals from various domains including basic science, clinical trials, patient-centered outcomes, population health, and any other area of translational research (T1-T4) are encouraged.

Priority Research Areas:

  • Geroscience and fundamental mechanisms of aging
  • Interventions to enhance function and recovery from illness
  • Resilience and functional reserve
  • Health disparities and equity

This pilot funding aims to support aging-related research that can feasibly lead to external funding. Pilot awardees will have access to research resources provided by the biostatistics and data management core, clinical research core, and metabolism and biology core. Projects will receive funding for one year (09/01/2024 – 08/31/2025), with total annual direct costs not exceeding $50,000. If applicable, approval by UTMB’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or Institutional Review Board (IRB) is required by the pilot start date.

Proposals are welcome from all investigators interested in launching studies on aging.

The pilot proposal selection process involves two steps:

Step 1: Letter of Intent & Biosketch – Interested investigators should submit a brief letter of intent (one page or less) describing their research idea, its relevance to the Pepper Center theme, and how it could lead to external funding in aging. Letters & biosketches can be sent to Stephanie Burt (Pepper OAIC Administrator) via email at stburt@utmb.edu. The deadline for receipt of the letter of intent and biosketch is Monday, March 18, 2024. Letters of Intent will be evaluated by the Pepper Executive Committee, and selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.

Step 2: Full Proposal – If selected to submit a full proposal, a 5-page proposal in NIH format will be required outlining the research plan. If requested, a research mentor and biostatistician can be assigned to assist with proposal development. The deadline for receipt of the full proposal is Monday, May 20, 2024. Full proposals will be evaluated by the Pilot Review Committee, comprising UTMB Pepper Center leaders, field experts, and at least one independent external reviewer with specific expertise in the area of the pilot application.

Please feel free to share this announcement with your colleagues. More information can be found at www.utmb.edu/pepper.

For inquiries, contact Brian Downer, PhD at brdowner@utmb.edu.

The UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center is funded by NIH grant #P30 AG024832.

Download 2024 Call for Pepper Pilot Proposals

 

 


Associated Programs

Areas of Research

SCOA brings together faculty from all UTMB Schools with expertise in research, education and clinical care related to aging. It provides the infrastructure and resources to ignite new collaborative translational research foci and support externally funded research on aging. It also supports educational programs on aging and geriatrics and outreach in the community. SCOA directly assists Core Investigators by providing support that includes: office space, editorial services, pilot funds, research infrastructure, and administration. 

Research Areas