Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) Program
Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) Program supports early-career Kentucky investigators studying dementia to inform prevention, risk reduction, and care delivery.
Funder: Alzheimer's Association
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (LOI) | December 3, 2026 (ISTAART LOI) | January 2, 2027 (ISTAART application, webpage) | January 4, 2027 (Application, webpage) | February 2, 2027 (ISTAART application, RFA) | February 4, 2027 (Application, RFA)
Funding Amounts: Up to five awards of up to $160,000 each, including direct and indirect costs, over two years
Summary: Supports early-career Kentucky investigators conducting Alzheimer's and related dementia research relevant to people living in Kentucky.
Key Information: Applicants must be full-time employees of eligible Kentucky nonprofit organizations and receive current-cycle LOI approval before applying.
Description
The Scientists Pursuing Alzheimer's/Related Dementias Research in Kentucky (SPARK) program supports early-career investigators studying Alzheimer's disease and all other dementias. Administered by the Alzheimer's Association International Research Grant Program and funded through Kentucky's 2026–2028 HB 900 appropriation, it supports research across the scientific discovery spectrum with strong relevance to Kentuckians.
Priorities include basic and translational science, molecular disease mechanisms, neuropathology, biomarkers, drug development, and digital pathology diagnostics. Clinical research may examine disease-modifying therapies in Kentucky populations. The program also supports health disparities and rural health research in Appalachian communities, implementation of evidence-based dementia and caregiver interventions, and population research using Kentucky-specific data to inform prevention, risk reduction, and care delivery.
