Research Funding Opportunities - U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Forecasted
Research Funding Opportunities - U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council supports independent researchers studying blueberry consumption in adults with subjective cognitive decline to understand effects on cognitive health.
Funder: U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Letter of Intent)
Funding Amounts: $300,000 available; higher funding may be possible with justification
Summary: Supports research on the effects of blueberry consumption on cognitive health in adults with subjective cognitive decline.
Key Information: The call seeks acute feeding studies enrolling adults ages 48–65 who meet criteria for subjective cognitive decline.
Description
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) funds independent research on the health effects of blueberries. Its Health Research Advisory Board’s cognitive health call seeks a study examining how blueberry consumption affects executive functions, including memory, focus, and attention. The study should also assess mechanistic factors associated with cognitive changes; mood may be included as an optional secondary outcome.
USHBC is an agricultural Federal Research and Promotion Board established by the USDA and funded by blueberry farmers, processors, and importers in North and South America. It operates with independent USDA oversight and supports sound science conducted by independent researchers at well-established institutions. Its preference is for human clinical studies using whole blueberries rather than extracts. Researchers write study publications independently of the Council.
