Brief Description:

The Allen Distinguished Investigator (ADI) Program seeks to fund a select group of investigators to pursue new, pioneering research that collectively "moves the needle" towards answering broad scientific questions. The most promising proposals will incorporate novel, creative, and ambitious approaches. For this reason, the program is especially interested in proposals that are unlikely to receive funding from traditional government sources. The 2014 RFP focuses on basic insights into human neuronal maturation in vitro. Scientists at any stage of their career may apply. Harvard, as one institution, may put forward two proposals for this opportunity. Total funding per project is expected to be $1m to $1.5m over three years.

Description:

The Foundation seeks proposals whose focus would provide insights into neuronal maturation in vitro, with an emphasis on human models (e.g. iPSCs, ESCs). While in vitro systems are instrumental in revealing processes in healthy and disease states, currently the ability to fully understand and recapitulate neuronal cell maturation is inadequate (ex. neocortical development disease). Recent studies reveal that cells can fail to maintain age-associated markers during reprogramming and differentiation, and be arrested or delayed at an immature developmental state. A variety of approaches have been used to induce cellular maturation (ex. stress, progerin) but it is unclear how closely these models mimic the normal maturation process.

While the focus in on neuronal maturation, other relevant model systems will be considered if they have the potential to surface general underlying mechanisms, profiles or pathways. The Foundation is not interested in proposals that will result in incremental changes to existing technologies and methodologies.

Lines of Inquiry include (but are not limited to):
What are the underlying mechanisms or signals that control the timing (i.e. the intrinsic clock) of neuronal cell maturity and functionality in vitro? How similar are these mechanisms in vitro to those observed in the in vivo environment?
What molecules or molecular pathways regulate maturation? To what extent are there specific programs for different cell/neuronal types versus a more general "clock" for all cell types in a given species?
Can the human neuronal cell maturation process be "sped up" in vitro?
Do current models appropriately mimic the normal maturation process?

Application Information:

To be considered for one of the two nomination spots Harvard University has for this opportunity applicants are asked to submit the following as part of the internal selection process:

A three to five page (max) description of the proposed project.This should include a brief explanation of how the proposed project fits in the research agenda/focused topic area and why it has significant potential to "move the needle" towards answering a broad scientific question posed for the cohort, a description of any interdisciplinary elements of the project, and a brief explanation of why the proposed project is unlikely to receive funding through traditional sources.

A budget outline for the proposed project. Please note that the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation has a 0% indirect cost policy. If more information/clarification concerning the budget outline is needed after the initial submission it will not factor into the review process

Current CV(s) of PI(s)/ team leader(s) (Biographical Sketch Format)

Eligibility Criteria:

The Allen Distinguished Investigators (ADI) award is open to researchers at all stages of their careers.

Search Filters:

Institution

Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Graduate School of Design
Graduate School of Education
Harvard Kennedy School
Harvard Law School
Harvard Medical School (Quad)
Harvard School of Public Health

Position

Assistant Professor
Associate Professor
Professor
Other Academic/Research Appointment

Type of Competition

Limited Submission

Discipline

Life Science
Multidisciplinary

Type of Award

Career Development
Early Career
Equipment
Research