Upstate NY Nathan Shock Center Research Awards

The Upstate NY Nathan Shock Center (NSC) is currently soliciting applications for Pilot Awards supporting fundamental and translational research projects relevant to the biology of aging and mechanisms linking aging to diseases associated with aging. These Pilot Awards are designed to support the research of early-stage investigators, as well as mid-career and senior investigators initiating projects in aging biology and age associated diseases.

Award Amount: Typically $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the specific research proposed

Eligibility:

• Early-stage investigators, mid-career and senior investigators
• All funded projects should utilize Upstate NY NSC Research Core services
• Applications outside the University of Rochester are encouraged
• Collaboration with other Nathan Shock Centers is strongly encouraged
• Consultation with Core Leaders is required before application submission

Required Materials (0.5" margins, Arial 11-point font):

• Proposal Face Page (1 page) - including project title, name of PI, institution, contact information, and an Abstract (no more than 25 lines of text) describing the proposed work and how it relates to the field of aging.
• Specific Aims (1 page)
• Research Plan (2-3 pages) - including Significance, Innovation and Approach. The Research Plan must specify the Upstate New York NSC services or resources requested, the number of samples to be analyzed, groups size calculations that justify these numbers, and the anticipated timeline for completion of the project.
• Statement of Impact (1 page) - describing how funding of the Pilot Project will impact the applicant’s future directions in aging research and, if applicable, their career progression. This statement should also include information about plans for manuscript submission and grant applications arising from the conducted research.
• Budget and Justification (1-2 pages) - including the specific resources requested and numbers of samples, as applicable. This page MUST also contain a summary of project planning/budget discussions with the relevant Core Leader. Permitted costs include use of research core services, consulting, and mentoring. Costs that are not allowed include indirect costs, salary support, supplies, and PI travel.
• Current NIH Biosketch - including other support (up to 5 pages for each PI).
• Cited References

Application Deadline: December 15, 2025

Anticipated Award Date: January 15, 2026

Review Criteria:

• Significance and potential impact of proposed research
• Feasibility and likelihood of attracting federal/external funding
• Career growth support and positioning in aging biology research
• For established investigators: impact and potential to initiate new research directions

Submission Instructions:

• Combine all required materials into a single PDF file
• Submit via email with the subject line: "Upstate NY NSC Pilot Award Proposal"
• Send to: Kerry_OBanion@urmc.rochester.edu and Erin.VanDeMar@rochester.edu

Awardee Responsibilities:

Principal Investigators (PIs) will provide a report of their scientific progress six months following the start-date of the project, and a final scientific report within 3 months of project award completion. PIs of funded projects will receive mentoring as needed through the duration and following their pilot study. The Administrative Core will review the progress report to assess whether the project is meeting its milestones; and if needed, will work with the PI to establish an action plan, or refocus the project to ensure that the goals are met. Award recipients will be required to report any publications, funding, or new collaborations that arise from the pilot award.

For more information, contact Dr. M. Kerry O'Banion, Leader of the Research Development Core (Kerry_OBanion@urmc.rochester.edu)

The Upstate NY NSC is soliciting applications for Rapid Data Awards on a rolling basis to support efficient acquisition of data to support grant applications or publications relevant to the biology of aging and mechanisms linking aging to diseases associated with aging. Rapid Data Awards are open to all investigators.

Award Amount: Maximum $10,000

Review Timeline: Applications reviewed monthly on a rolling basis, with funding decisions communicated as rapidly as possible

Eligibility:

• Open to all investigators
• All projects should utilize Upstate NY NSC Research Core services
• Applications outside the University of Rochester are encouraged
• Collaboration with other Nathan Shock Centers is strongly encouraged
• Consultation with Core Leaders is required before application submission

Required Materials (0.5" margins, Arial 11-point font):

• Proposal Face Page (1 page) - including project title, name(s) of PI, institution(s), contact information, and an Abstract (no more than 25 lines of text) describing the proposed work and how it relates to the field of aging.
• Research Plan (2 pages) - including Significance, Approach, how the data acquired will be used, and any cited references. The Research Plan must specify the Upstate New York NSC services or resources requested.
• Budget and Justification (1 page) - including the specific resources requested and numbers of samples, as applicable. This page MUST also contain a summary of project planning/budget discussions with the relevant Core Leader.
• Current NIH Biosketch - including other support (up to 5 pages for each PI).

Application Deadline: Rolling submissions - reviewed monthly

Review Criteria:

• Significance and potential impact
• Feasibility

The Rapid Data Award features an expedited review process to support time-critical research needs.

Submission Instructions:

• Combine all required materials into a single PDF file
• Submit via email with the subject line: "Upstate NY NSC Rapid Data Award Proposal"
• Send to: Kerry_OBanion@urmc.rochester.edu and Erin.VanDeMar@rochester.edu

Awardee Responsibilities:

Principal Investigators (PIs) of funded projects will provide a final scientific and financial report six months following the start-date of the project. PIs of funded projects will receive mentoring as needed following completion of their project. Award recipients will be required to report any publications, funding, or new collaborations that arise from the pilot award.

For more information, contact Dr. M. Kerry O'Banion, Leader of the Research Development Core (Kerry_OBanion@urmc.rochester.edu)

For questions about either award program or to discuss your project ideas, please contact:

Dr. M. Kerry O'Banion
Leader, Research Development Core
Email: Kerry_OBanion@urmc.rochester.edu

For award submissions:
Kerry_OBanion@urmc.rochester.edu
Erin.VanDeMar@rochester.edu

We encourage potential applicants to discuss their project ideas and consult with relevant Core Leaders before submitting an application.