How to Submit a Proposal

General Procedures & Guidelines

The Nathan Shock Centers (NSC) of the Oklahoma (OKNSC), the University of Washington (UW), and the Jackson Laboratory (JAX) jointly solicit applications for high-potential impact Pilot Awards through a novel pilot program that integrates specialized resources across the three centers. The Aging Gene Discovery Pilot Awards support only research projects relevant to the biology of aging and geroscience (the study of mechanisms linking aging to diseases associated with aging). The goal of this program is to help investigators in aging and age-associated diseases identify new genes and gene networks that control aging and age-associated disease processes.  We achieve this by:

1. Performing whole-genome CRISPR genetic screens – in which individual genes are knocked out, one at a time, in mouse or human cells (for a total of 20,000 mouse or human genes) – to identify new candidate genes and gene networks that regulate aging or age-associated diseases. This is done at the Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center CRISPR Whole-Genome Screening Core;

2. Testing genes identified in CRISPR whole-genome screens for their role in aging and/or age-associated dysfunction or disease phenotypes in in invertebrate models (C elegans and yeast) at the UW Nathan Shock Center Invertebrate Models of Aging Core;

3. Generating a genetically engineered mouse model to further test genes identified in CRISPR whole-genome screens for their role in aging and/or age-associated dysfunction or disease using unique resources of the Jackson Laboratory Nathan Shock Center Animal and Phenotyping Core.

Awards will typically range from $38,000 to $75,000, depending on the complexity of the project and reagent costs, among other factors.

Eligibility and Description of the Pilot Award Program

Early-stage investigators focusing on aging and/or geroscience research (the latter as the study of processes linking aging to the etiology of age-associated dysfunction and disease) or senior investigators initiating new research programs in aging/geroscience research are encouraged to apply.

Review Criteria and Allowable Costs

1. Significance, scientific merit, feasibility, approach and innovation

2. Potential impact and how well the project leverages integrated resources across all three centers

3. Likelihood to attract federal or other similar external funding

4. Realistic and suitable budget and timeline for the project. Consultation with core leaders to discuss feasibility, project details, and budget is required for applications to be considered.

5. Reviewers will also consider how the project supports the investigator’s career growth and helps position them as leaders in aging and geroscience research. For mid-career investigators, special attention will be given to how the project supports career advancement, while for senior investigators, the focus will be on the impact of the research and its potential to start a new research direction in their laboratories.  Applications will be reviewed internally and externally by national experts in the fields of aging biology and geroscience.

6. Indirect costs, salary support, office supplies, and travel are not allowable.

Important Dates

RFA Release Date: December 1, 2025 (see RFA)

Submission Deadline: March 23, 2026

Funding Notification: May 2026

Funding Period: TBA

Applications are closed.