The Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research is one of six research centers on minority aging funded by the National Institute on Aging.  This center is jointly housed at the University of Michigan’s Program for Research on Black Americans, and Wayne State University’s Institute of Gerontology.  One of the Center’s major goals is to identify and mentor investigators who are interested in conducting research on African American elders.  Collaborative pilot projects that involve faculty from more than one department, school or institute are also encouraged to apply. Proposals are sought to fund pilot projects that can serve as a foundation for larger NIH-funded projects.

1. Each proposal must contain the following information: a) the name and contact information of each investigator; b) Vita or NIH biographical sketch of each investigator; c) Description of proposed research (not to exceed 6 single spaced pages, excluding references).  This should include the following sections:  Specific Aims; Background and Significance; Research Design.  d) Budget with budget justification; e) Other support; f) Studies involving the use of human subjects must be reviewed and approved by the WSU and/or another university Institutional Review Board. Funding will be released to successful applicants onls after IRB approval is obtained.  g) Only applications in 12 point font will be accepted.
2. Proposals may involve health services or behavioral and social science research and should focus on African American elderly.  Some examples of issues that may be investigated included: quality of life, stress and coping, caregiving, social support, family life, cognition, mental disorders, morbidity and mortality, health care utilization, work and retirement.
3. Faculty and research scientists/investigators are eligible to apply for this award.
4. Funds are available for the period of September 1, 2008 to August 31, 2009.  Individual requests may not exceed $20,000 in total costs.  Funds are not to be utilized for the support of senior faculty salaries or to purchase equipment.
5. Five copies of the completed application must be received by April 15, 2008.  (Applications can be submitted on Public Health Service Grant Application Forms, but this is not a requirement.) Fax and email attachments are not accepted and will not be reviewed. Proposals should be submitted to Dr. Louis A. Penner, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Communication and Behavioral Oncology Program, ROC 373, 4100 John R., Detroit, MI  48201.  For additional information, contact Dr. Penner via email at pennerl@karmanos.org.  Applicants should be notified by July 1, 2008.