The Longer Life Foundation: An RGA/Washington University Partnership is accepting applications for their Pilot and Feasibility Research Projects program.

A joint enterprise of the Washington University School of Medicine and the Reinsurance Group of America, the Longer Life Foundation has as its mission: to study factors that assist in predicting mortality and morbidity of selected populations and to research methods to promote improvements in longevity and health by analyzing the effects of changes in medicine and advances in public health practices.

Pilot and Feasibility Research Projects should address topics related to the foundation's mission. The foundation is particularly interested in research studying determinants of long term prognosis for common ailments in the public; methods to improve disease prognosis; and methods to prevent ailments from occurring, thereby improving quality and quantity of life. Preference is given to clinical research. Funded projects will be pilot or feasibility studies, as well as short-term research such as analyses of existing databases.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Determinants of prognosis of any specific disease
• Methods to predict or promote longevity
• Obesity and its impacts on health in adults or children
• Frailty in older adults: prognostication and/or preventing complications
• Predictors of progression of cognitive dysfunction or Alzheimer’s Disease
• Practical use of genomics as a tool to prognosticate disease

Young investigators with at least two years of research experience who are interested in longevity related research and have yet to obtain independent funding and established investigators who are developing new directions in research on determinants of health and longevity are eligible to apply for funding. Investigators must have an M.D., Ph.D., or similar degree in their field and have an affiliation with Washington University. Post-doctoral fellows are not eligible.

In 2008 approximately $250,000 is available for funding. The project period is September 1, 2008–August 31, 2009. A funded investigator may request an adjustment in the project period with no increase in funds, or for carry-over of funds beyond the project period. A second year of funding may be requested and requires submission of a competing renewal application in the 2009 grant cycle, demonstration of satisfactory progress and justification for a second year of funding. Grants usually are funded at levels between $20,000 and $50,000 (direct costs). Small grants of less than $20,000 will also be considered. Four to five grants will be funded in 2008.

Deadlines: Submitting letters of intent (February 12, 2008); submitting applications (June 2, 2008). Applications should be submitted directly to the foundation through normal University channels.

For additional program details, click here. To view program guidelines, click here. For a copy of the regulations governing grants from the Longer Life Foundation or additional information contact Joan Heins at 314-286-1912 or via email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it